Happy International Red Panda Day – The Real-Life Firefox 🐾

Move over, giant panda—today belongs to the red panda, the original “panda” (they were discovered first). International Red Panda Day is all about celebrating these adorable, tree-dwelling fluffballs that look like a cross between a raccoon, a fox, and a plush toy you’re not allowed to squeeze too hard.

Red pandas live in the Himalayan forests and spend most of their time climbing trees, snacking on bamboo, and perfecting their “cute but slightly grumpy” face. Despite the name, they’re not closely related to giant pandas—science still isn’t quite sure whether to classify them with raccoons or their own unique family. Either way, they win the “most photogenic” award hands down.

Fun fact: red pandas use their bushy tails as blankets to keep warm. Basically, they invented the wearable blanket long before humans thought of it. Genius.

Unfortunately, these little charmers are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, which makes raising awareness today even more important.