Pet a red panda? For real?

YES! And although this trip was quite a while ago, the Good Zoo at Oglebay in Wheeling, WV has

gotten even better with time (just like we have!). They can "make your wildlife dreams a reality" with 16 different animal encounters, allowing you to get up close & personal with cheetahs, wolves, lemurs, sloths – and of course, red pandas!

The Good Zoo is committed to exhibiting, propagating, and rehabilitating vanishing species, as well as "To provide educational exhibits and programs to promote an awareness and appreciation for wildlife, and to instill a conservation ethic." They take great care of these animals, and this unusual zoo provides the opportunity for the public to learn a tremendous amount about wild animals.

Staying at Oglebay is also a great experience, with beautiful rooms and lots of interesting things to do.