Master Shifu from Kung Fu Panda is a red panda. Despite his gray fur and somewhat different appearance compared to a typical bright red panda, he is officially a red panda in the franchise. Red pandas are native to China and Nepal and are distinct from giant pandas, sharing more traits with raccoons and weasels. Master Shifu is the sage mentor and trainer of Po and the Furious Five in the Kung Fu Panda movies and series. He is voiced by Dustin Hoffman in the films. This identification as a red panda is confirmed by official franchise sources and discussions about his species in the movies and related media. So, Master Shifu is a red panda, not a giant panda like Po or any other animal. This species choice ties him culturally and thematically to the main setting of the story in ancient China while distinguishing him from Po.