International Red Panda Day2026 · Date · History · Messages
Red Panda Network first-party material states that it launched International Red Panda Day in 2010 and that the observance takes place every year on the third Saturday of September. Current RPN event material continues that cadence.
About International Red Panda Day
International Red Panda Day is a global conservation-awareness observance created by Red Panda Network. RPN says the day is held every year on the third Saturday of September.
The observance is designed for education, celebration and support for red-panda conservation. It does not authorize handling, feeding, capturing or approaching wild animals, and wildlife care or rehabilitation should be left to qualified professionals and relevant authorities.
Why International Red Panda Day matters
International Red Panda Day helps zoos, schools, conservation groups and individuals share accurate information about red pandas and conservation work. Red Panda Network frames the day around celebration, education and advocacy.
Useful support can include learning from credible conservation organizations, attending responsible educational programs or supporting vetted conservation work. Claims about populations, threats or field results should stay tied to current specialist sources because conservation data can change.
History of International Red Panda Day
Red Panda Network states that it launched International Red Panda Day in 2010, when more than 16 schools and zoos worldwide participated.
RPN’s later material continues the observance on the third Saturday of September and describes participation by zoos and communities around the world, establishing a continuing organizer-led annual tradition.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
Red Panda Network
Red Panda Network states that it launched International Red Panda Day in 2010.
Red Panda Network
Red Panda Network
First documented observance
RPN states that it launched International Red Panda Day in 2010 with more than 16 schools and zoos participating.
Red Panda Network
Red Panda Network maintains current International Red Panda Day information and participation resources.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
4 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe International Red Panda Day
Visit a participating accredited zoo or conservation education program and follow all animal-welfare and visitor rules.
Use Red Panda Network or other credible conservation sources to learn about red pandas and habitat conservation.
Support vetted conservation work if you choose, checking the organization and donation channel before giving.
Do not approach, feed, handle, capture or attempt to rehabilitate wild red pandas or other wildlife; contact qualified local authorities or professionals when intervention is needed.
International Red Panda Day Facts
Red Panda Network says it launched International Red Panda Day in 2010.
International Red Panda Day is held on the third Saturday of September.
The 2026 date is September 19 and the 2027 date is September 18.
Red Panda Network describes the observance as a global day of red-panda celebration and education.
Participating zoos and organizations may hold their own programs, so local schedules should be checked directly.
International Red Panda Day Messages
Happy International Red Panda Day—may today turn curiosity into careful, informed support for conservation.
Celebrate red pandas from a respectful distance and support the people working to protect their habitat.
Wishing conservation teams, educators and responsible wildlife supporters a meaningful International Red Panda Day.
May International Red Panda Day inspire practical support for red pandas while keeping animal welfare at the center.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
Red Panda Network — 9th annual International Red Panda Day (opens in a new tab)
Official Organizer Origin History
Red Panda Network — Events / International Red Panda Day (opens in a new tab)
Official Organizer Current Recurrence
Red Panda Network — International Red Panda Day 2022 (opens in a new tab)
Official Organizer Recurrence History
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Red Panda Day?
Third Saturday of September The documented recurrence rule is: Third Saturday of September.
Does International Red Panda Day fall on the same date every year?
It follows a recurring calendar rule, so the Gregorian date can change from year to year.
Is International Red Panda Day an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: International red-panda conservation education observance led by Red Panda Network; wildlife-welfare-safe and conservation-source-bounded. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes International Red Panda Day?
The reviewed sources identify Red Panda Network as the proclaiming or establishing body. Current facilitation or coordination is recorded as Red Panda Network.
Is International Red Panda Day international or country-specific?
The documented scope is international or global: International red-panda conservation education observance led by Red Panda Network; wildlife-welfare-safe and conservation-source-bounded. That does not mean every country treats the date as a public holiday or observes it in the same way.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-10-05.
When is International Red Panda Day?
It is held on the third Saturday of September. That is September 19 in 2026 and September 18 in 2027.
Who started International Red Panda Day?
Red Panda Network states that it launched the observance in 2010.
What is the purpose of the day?
It is a conservation-education and awareness day focused on red pandas and efforts to protect them and their habitat.
Can I feed or touch a red panda to celebrate?
No. Follow zoo and wildlife rules and do not feed, touch, capture or approach wild animals. Animal care belongs with qualified professionals.
Do all zoos celebrate on the exact same day?
Not necessarily. The observance uses the third Saturday of September, but individual institutions may schedule local activities differently, so check their current information.
Other observances on September 18
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A/RES/74/142
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National Dance Day
American Dance Movement states that National Dance Day was established in 2010 and, since 2019, takes place annually on the third Saturday in September.