There appears to be a touch of romance in the air at Longleat as Valentine’s Day approaches, with the estate’s newest arrival already making an impression.
Neo, a young red panda who arrived at the Wiltshire attraction just a few weeks ago, has now been introduced to resident panda Maya — and early signs suggest the pair are getting along well.
The two were recently seen perched together on a branch in their woodland habitat, gently touching noses during one of their first meetings. Keepers say the introduction has been calm and positive, with the pair gradually becoming accustomed to one another.
Red pandas are classified as endangered, with fewer than 10,000 believed to remain in the wild — and possibly as few as 2,500. Conservationists estimate the global population has declined by around half over the past two decades, largely due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of Neo and Maya can do so throughout February half term, when Longleat hosts its LEGO Brick Week from 14 to 22 February.
As part of the event, The Longhouse will be transformed into an indoor brick-building safari, inviting guests to design and construct their own creations — from animals and trees to imaginative landscapes. The wider Park will also feature a LEGO Brick Acorn Trail, alongside themed workshops and craft sessions for families.
Tickets and further details are available via the Longleat website.
