Red pandas are solitary arboreal mammals highly sensitive to heat stress. Zoo welfare depends on appropriate habitat design that meets their thermoregulatory and behavioural needs.
Red panda welfare in zoo settings depends on thermal management and environmental complexity. Heat stress in temperate European summers causes significant welfare compromise without cooling infrastructure. Their arboreal nature means ground-level enclosures are welfare-inadequate regardless of size. Tall trees, climbing structures, and species-appropriate substrates are essential. Access to cool indoor spaces during summer is non-negotiable for welfare in temperate climates.