[@Blackstripe] Have you never heard of a Red Panda before? (I ask because it's not a fairly common animal in some parts of the world.) One Piece is full of animals. Like Reindeer, which Tony Tony Chopper is. Or Bepo. He's a [url=http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Bepo]bear[/url]. There is a [url=http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Morgans]talking bird[/url] in the New World. One Piece as a series is not new to the concept of animals being able to talk. And nor is the idea of a Red Panda that outrageous when other animals like gators, birds, and what not exist and go around freely. Red Pandas aren't even a new species. They're an [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_panda]actual thing[/url]. 
I'm not mad, just confused at where the line in "New Species" is being made and drawn. If I made him into a talking bird, would that be more palatable? A bear? It's not a brand new species with unique powers. It's an actual animal that could very well be found in One Piece.