DES MOINES, Iowa (February 1, 2013) – Blank Park Zoo’s Red Pandas picked the winner of the Big Game this morning. Keepers placed two boxes in the exhibit of the same size and labeled the boxes with the team’s logos. They were filled equally with healthy treats that Red Pandas enjoy, such as bamboo and raisins.

Berry the Red Panda studied both teams before quickly picking Baltimore to win, while Razz thinks San Francisco will beat Baltimore. Kitar the Red Panda stayed out of the picking process for a while and eventually joined Berry in the pick for Baltimore.

“These types of activities are part of our enrichment program and provide variety to the animal’s lives. Enrichment is a normal everyday part of zoo keeping duties, and it is fun to do public demonstrations of enrichment that people can enjoy,” said Kevin Drees, Director of Animal Care and Conservation.

Blank Park Zoo’s animals have had success in the past picking the winner of the Big Game as Papa the donkey correctly chose New York to win.