Red pandas at Trevor Zoo, Millbrook — live webcam

The only school-based zoo: the unusual story of Trevor Zoo

In the quiet town of Millbrook, nestled among the hills of Dutchess County in New York State, there is a zoo unlike any other in the world. Trevor Zoo is the only zoo located on a secondary school campus, where Millbrook School students don't just visit on field trips — they care for the animals every single day. Around 90 students are involved in the animal care program, making this place a unique educational platform.

The zoo was renamed Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo in honor of Dr. Thomas Lovejoy — a renowned biologist and ecologist whose research has made an enormous contribution to preserving the planet's biodiversity. Today, the zoo is home to more than 160 animals representing 70 species, and among them, the reddish-coated residents stand out — the ones you can watch via the live webcam.

Red pandas: an endangered species of mountain forests

The red panda, or lesser panda, is not a close relative of the giant panda, as many mistakenly believe. It is the only modern member of the panda family, inhabiting the mountain bamboo forests of the Himalayas and southern China. The conservation status of the species is critical: fewer than 3,000 red pandas remain in the wild, and their population has declined by 50% over the past 20 years.

At Trevor Zoo, red pandas are one of the 11 endangered species housed on the grounds. You can observe these animals in their familiar habitat through the live webcam, which broadcasts the enclosure around the clock.

The pair Lucy and Zhu: a story of love and procreation

The current residents of the red panda enclosure in Millbrook are female Lucy and male Zhu. This pair was formed on the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), of which the zoo has been a member since 1989. AZA coordinates breeding programs for rare species across North American zoos, and the red pandas from Trevor are part of this important work.

The history of red panda breeding at the zoo has its touching moments. On July 7, 2023, a cub was born to the pair Betsy and Zhu — this is the third successful baby born at Trevor Zoo. Female Lucy is currently raising the cub in the exhibit enclosure without any assistance from zoo staff, fully performing her maternal duties naturally.

Diet of the reddish residents: almost vegetarians among carnivores

Although the red panda belongs to the order Carnivora, its diet is predominantly plant-based. About 95% of its diet consists of bamboo — tender leaves and shoots of mountain species, which the animal skillfully holds with its front paws.

However, red pandas don't limit themselves to bamboo alone. Their menu also includes fruits, berries, mushrooms, eggs, and small animals. At Trevor Zoo, the residents' diet is as close to natural as possible, allowing the animals to display natural feeding behavior — which you can see if you watch the red pandas online during feeding times.

The enclosure and living conditions in Millbrook

The red panda enclosure at Trevor Zoo is designed with the species' natural needs in mind. A cool microclimate typical of mountain forests is maintained here, wooden climbing structures are installed, and elevated resting areas are set up. Bamboo shoots growing within the enclosure serve not only as decoration but also as an additional food source.

To observe the animals in real time, cameras have been installed in the enclosure, allowing you to follow the lives of the red pandas from anywhere in the world. Female Lucy is raising her cub in the exhibit enclosure, and online viewers can see how the mother cares for the baby, moving among the wooden structures and bamboo thickets.

Breeding program and the future of the species

After weaning, the young red panda cub from Millbrook will be transferred to another zoo participating in the AZA program. This rotation helps maintain genetic diversity in the captive population and prevents inbreeding. Every baby born at Trevor Zoo is a contribution to the conservation of a species that continues to decline in the wild.

Trevor Zoo at Millbrook School demonstrates a unique model: education, species conservation, and direct youth involvement in working with rare animals are all combined into a single process. Students not only observe the red pandas through cameras but also participate in their care, gaining invaluable experience working with endangered species.

What you can see on the camera

The live camera at Trevor Zoo broadcasts the red panda enclosure in real time. In the frame is a reddish-brown animal with white markings on its face and ears, black paws, and a long bushy tail. The red panda sits on a wooden structure surrounded by bamboo shoots. In the background, you can see the mesh enclosure fencing, tree trunks, and infrastructure elements. The camera allows you to observe the animal's natural behavior: resting at height, moving around the enclosure, and interacting with vegetation. The webcam operates in live streaming mode, opening a window into the lives of the rare residents of Trevor Zoo for anyone who wants to see the red pandas in Millbrook online.