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Les Pandas Roux

World Animal Day

Oct 4

Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day

Today's Musings, History & Folklore

“The red panda is like a real-life teddy bear—charming and gentle, yet a capable and resourceful survivor in its mountain forest home.”

~ George B. Schaller

Despite its name, the red panda is not closely related to the giant panda; it's actually more akin to raccoons and skunks. This adorable creature is known for its playful antics and spends most of its time in trees, using its bushy tail for balance. One of its unique features is an extended wrist bone, often called a "thumb," which helps it grip bamboo, its favorite snack. Red pandas are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. When threatened, they stand on their hind legs to appear larger, giving them an unexpectedly fierce demeanor! Though native to the temperate forests of the Himalayas, they can be seen dancing with their French-Scottish Auld Alliance Brethren doing this 40 bar jig, which contains a half "Celtic Reel" involving the outer and inner couples reeling or circumnavigating to the end of the reel! Bamboo snacks for all! ❤️ 🐼 🦝 🦨

Les Pandas Roux

The red panda is an enigmatic creature of the Eastern Himalayas, often overshadowed by its namesake, the giant panda. With its striking reddish-brown fur, white facial markings, and bushy ringed tail, it bears more resemblance to a fox than a panda. These unique animals have adapted well to their chilly, mountainous habitat, developing thick fur on their bodies and even on the soles of their feet, which helps them stay warm and navigate the slippery terrain of the forest canopy.


Unlike many other forest animals, red pandas are solitary and elusive, spending their lives high in the trees. Their diet, though centered on bamboo, is supplemented by fruits, acorns, and even small mammals, showcasing their adaptability. They have an impressive ability to climb down trees headfirst, a skill achieved by rotating their ankles—a rare trait among climbing mammals. Despite their peaceful demeanor, red pandas possess a quiet strength, using their sharp claws and teeth when necessary to defend themselves. Though often shy, they are known for their curious and playful nature, adding to the allure of this little-known forest dweller.


For more about red pandas, click the baby red panda!

Les Pandas Roux

Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!

Les Pandas Roux

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