What kind of animal is Shi Fu, from Kung Fu Panda?

My mom and I were watching Kung Fu Panda, and we could not figure out what type of animal Shi Fu was. I think he is some kind of rodent. Like a squirrel or some type. I tried looking on the official site, but it does not say.|||well i think he looks like a red panda!!!


red panda is not rodent...





Red Panda





http://www.fargomoorhead.org/photos/thin...





Shi Fu





http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g18/bi...





Edit:


they both have mouth open XD ~ cute!!!








Edit:


red panda can be find in China and eats bamboo, but not a panda.|||i think he%26#039;s a red panda.


a close relative of raccoons.|||he is a panda|||An animation Creation