A two-year-old red panda has arrived at a Wiltshire wildlife estate, bringing fresh hope for the future of one of the world’s most endangered species.
Neo, a male red panda, is being gradually introduced to Maya in one of the estate’s two red panda habitats. His arrival forms part of an international breeding programme designed to protect the species from further decline.
While keepers are hopeful the pairing will eventually lead to offspring, they have warned that patience will be required.
Keeper Samantha Peeke explained that red pandas have a very short breeding window.
“Red pandas are only fertile for one day each year,” she said. “With the breeding season ending at the end of January, it’s possible we may need to wait another year before we hear the patter of tiny paws.
“Neo is settling in really well and has been very curious about his surroundings since arriving earlier this week. We’ll be introducing him to Maya gradually over the coming days.”
Native to Nepal, Neo’s full name, Neora, translates to “shining light” in Nepalese, while Maya means love. The species is currently listed as endangered, with fewer than 10,000 thought to remain worldwide and estimates suggesting the number in the wild could be as low as 2,500.
Over the past two decades, global red panda numbers have fallen by around 50 per cent due to habitat loss and poaching.
Visitors will be able to see Neo in the panda house near the lorikeets in the Animal Adventure area of the estate. Koda, who previously shared a habitat with Maya, has since moved in with Emma near Jungle Cruise, following the death of Lionel last year.
