The Explore

Since red pandas' first debut in Guangzhou zoo, their habitat has become the hottest spot among all others. Red pandas typically rest or sleep in trees or other elevated spaces during the day, so it is challenging for visitors to observe them at human height behind the fence. In recent years, we have seen visitors who tried to attract red pandas' attention by undergoing unwelcome gestures such as making abrupt noises and throwing food into the habitat. Red pandas can become stressed, triggered by visitors' unwelcome gestures. How can we ensure red pandas' physical and mental health while allowing visitors to observe them closer in an exemplary manner?

The Explore is our solution - a collection of two shapes of structural add-ons. One red panda tree, inspired by a cat tree, is located inside the habitat, not far from the observation deck. One observation deck is located on the edge of the habitat fence, making it easier for visitors to observe red pandas. It is an entirely new addition/expansion to red pandas' habitat, providing expansive look-out points for visitors to look at red pandas in their habitat closer.

We finished the Explore and installed both structures recently. Inside the habitat, the Explore red panda tree allows red pandas to play freely. The Explore observation deck features a new angel and a show-stopping interactive finale. The Explore observation deck is dedicated to extensively allowing visitors to immersive "step into" the habitat of red pandas over the fence, where the location of the structure enables visitors to observe red pandas closer without interrupting their everyday life.

The Explore completely reshapes the visitors' experience and has become a landmark addition to the already popular red panda habitat.