Love Is in the Air at Lincoln Park Zoo as Qi the Red Panda Makes His Public Debut — Plus, Schneider Deli Is Coming to Halsted

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Lincoln Park · March 10, 2026

Lincoln Park neighbors have two irresistible reasons to smile this week. First, the Lincoln Park Zoo has a charming new resident: Qi (pronounced "CHEE"), a 7-year-old male red panda who recently completed his quarantine and has officially settled into his permanent habitat. Qi arrived from New York's Prospect Park Zoo as part of a species survival plan, and his timing couldn't be more perfect — red pandas typically breed between January and March. His intended mate is Nisha, an 8-year-old female who has called Lincoln Park Zoo home for several years. "Everybody loves a red panda, right?" said Cassy Kutilek, curator of large mammals and carnivores at the zoo. Stop by the zoo to catch a glimpse of the new lovebirds!

On the food front, Lincoln Park's dining scene is about to get a seriously delicious upgrade. Schneider Deli — Chicago's cult-favorite Jewish deli known for hand-sliced brisket and bubbe-approved latkes — is opening an all-day outpost at 1733 North Halsted Street in early 2026. The nearly 2,000-square-foot space promises double the seating of the original River North counter and will also debut a brand-new coffee and espresso program featuring locally roasted beans.

Whether you're planning a zoo date to meet Qi or counting down the days until that first Halsted pastrami sandwich, Lincoln Park is serving up plenty of joy this March. Follow Lincoln Park Zoo on social media for Qi updates, and keep an eye on Schneider Deli's channels for the official opening announcement!

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/animals/2026/02/18/romance-in-the-air-for-new-red-panda-qi-7-who-arrived-at-lincoln-park-zoo-to-mate
2. https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/the-beloved-schneider-deli-is-opening-a-new-location-in-lincoln-park-next-year-111425