Maryland Zoo launches student-designed red panda video game

BALTIMORE, Md. (WBFF) — A video game inspired by the Maryland Zoo’s red pandas is now available on the Zoo’s website!

“Red Panda Rush” was created by George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology senior Martin Burgunder as a class project.

Classmates Isaac Sigrist worked on animation and art, while Jack Feldges created background and game art.

The game draws on early desktop arcade games. Players use keyboard controls to guide a red panda as it runs and jumps over obstacles.

Burgunder, who has volunteered at the Zoo for more than three years, said the arrival of the red pandas inspired him to combine his interests in volunteering and game design.

He asked his classmates to join the project before pitching the idea to the Zoo.

…You never know how someone will use their experience at the Maryland Zoo as an inspiration,” Zoo President and CEO Kirby Fowler said.

Fowler called the game sophisticated while also easy for beginners to play.

The game is designed for desktop computers and does not work on mobile devices.

It is available here.