January 8, 2009 Red panda finds home in Wisconsin zoo Play video

(NECN: Suamico, WI) - A rare animal that was on loan to a Wisconsin zoo has become a permanent resident.

Taebo is a red panda that arrived at the NEW zoo in Suamico six years ago. He was supposed to go back home to Oklahoma, but now he'll stay in Wisconsin.

Zoo officials say this is the best time of the year to come out and see him.

The next step will be to find a mate for Taebo. The search is already underway.

*In this video you will hear from Carmen Murach of the NEW zoo.