The Buffalo Zoo has a new red panda named Himalaya. The 11-month-old comes to Buffalo from the Greenville Zoo in Greenville, South Carolina.

Himalaya comes to Buffalo as part of the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for red pandas, which ensures the genetic health of threatened and endangered species in zoos across North America.

Himalaya will join the Buffalo Zoo’s male red panda, Mogwai, to hopefully form a breeding pair. While the two pandas have yet to meet, the zoo’s animal care team will begin introductions in the coming weeks.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest resident — Himalaya. She is a beautiful red panda with a charming and playful spirit,” said Lisa Smith, president and CEO at the Buffalo Zoo. “She is an adorable ambassador for her species, which is in danger of extinction. Himalaya will help us raise awareness about the vital importance of conservation and our role in saving wildlife."

The Buffalo Zoo is currently open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information visit buffalozoo.org.