Zoo Knoxville Cares for Aging Red Panda

Lincoln, a 12-year-old red panda, is thriving at the zoo despite his advanced age.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:03am

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Zoo Knoxville's Lincoln, a 12-year-old red panda, has spent nearly his entire life at the zoo. Red pandas are an endangered species, with fewer than 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Lincoln's advanced age provides a unique opportunity to study geriatric animal care, as the average life expectancy for red pandas is around 10 years.

Why it matters

Red pandas face significant threats in the wild, including habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. By caring for aging red pandas like Lincoln, zoos can contribute to conservation efforts and gain valuable insights into supporting the long-term health and well-being of this endangered species.

The details

Lincoln, the red panda, has been a resident of Zoo Knoxville for most of his life. As a 12-year-old red panda, he has surpassed the average life expectancy for his species. The zoo's animal care team closely monitors Lincoln's health and provides specialized care to ensure his comfort and quality of life in his golden years.

  • Lincoln has been a resident of Zoo Knoxville for nearly his entire 12-year lifespan.
  • Red pandas have an average life expectancy of around 10 years in the wild.

The players

Lincoln

A 12-year-old red panda who has spent nearly his entire life at Zoo Knoxville.

Zoo Knoxville

A zoo located in Knoxville, Tennessee that is committed to wildlife conservation and delivering dynamic guest experiences.

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What they’re saying

“Lincoln's care provides a great look at geriatric animal care.”

— Sarah Glass (YouTube)

The takeaway

By caring for aging red pandas like Lincoln, zoos can contribute to the conservation of this endangered species and gain valuable insights into supporting the long-term health and well-being of animals in their care.