Maryland Zoo Releases New Red Panda Arcade Game

Families can now play the student-designed game on desktop computers to help a red panda navigate obstacles.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector editorial illustration of a red panda silhouette leaping over geometric obstacles, evoking a playful arcade aesthetic. — The Maryland Zoo has launched a student-designed arcade-style web game, Red Panda Rush, allowing families to interact with wildlife from home. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Maryland Zoo has released a new, student-designed web game called Red Panda Rush. The arcade-style game features a red panda navigating various obstacles.

Why it matters

The game was inspired by the arrival of red pandas at the Maryland Zoo and serves as a new digital way for local families to engage with the zoo's wildlife from home.

The game, which features artwork by Isaac Sigrist and Jack Feldges, was developed by volunteer Martin Burgunder following his three-year tenure at the zoo. It is designed exclusively for desktop computer users and is not currently functional on mobile devices.

The players

The Maryland Zoo

A Baltimore institution that serves as a center for wildlife conservation and family education.

Martin Burgunder

A student and former zoo volunteer who created the game as a class project.

Isaac Sigrist

An artist who provided the animation and visual design for the project.

Jack Feldges

A creative contributor responsible for the game background and art elements.

The details

Red Panda Rush utilizes keyboard controls that allow players to guide the red panda through a series of obstacles. The mechanics are intentionally designed to mimic early desktop arcade games, focusing on simple, reactive movement to challenge the player as the panda advances.

October 29, 2026: The Maryland Zoo released the video game online.

The Home Front

This release follows a trend of local institutions integrating digital, browser-based activities to maintain engagement outside of physical zoo visits. It highlights how student-led technology projects are increasingly being used to bridge the gap between wildlife exhibits and digital entertainment.

To play the game, ensure you are accessing the Maryland Zoo website using a desktop computer as mobile functionality is not supported. Use your keyboard to navigate the red panda through the course.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates how students can leverage volunteer experiences to create interactive learning tools for their community. Families interested in testing their reaction times can visit the Maryland Zoo website on a desktop device to play the game.