Orange pandas? Zoo Knoxville makes friendly wager ahead of Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Zoo Knoxville and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are going head-to-head for Tennessee’s matchup against Ohio State.

The two zoos have made a friendly wager ahead of the game and temporarily renamed some animal enclosures in honor of their teams.

Here in Knoxville, the red panda enclosure has been renamed to the orange panda enclosure. Columbus' pandas are now scarlet pandas.

Should the Vols take home a win, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President and CEO Tom Schmid is on the hook to don some Tennessee orange and donate to a conservation effort of Zoo Knoxville’s choosing.

If the Buckeye’s come away victorious, the responsibility falls to Zoo Knoxville’s president and CEO, Bill Street, to throw on the scarlet and donate to an effort of Columbus' choosing.

“This is a great way to support our teams and wildlife conservation,” said Street. “Zoo Knoxville is great at conservation, but we’re confident the Buckeyes will secure the win on game day!” said Schmid. “While we have a little fun with this friendly competition, both of our zoos share a passion for making a difference and together we’re proud to continue our collective efforts to ensure a brighter future for red pandas and other wildlife.”

Zoo Knoxville has cared for red pandas since 1978. Both zoos currently have four of the critters.