‘Miracle’ Red Panda Cub Born!

Tue 16th August

Hello 'Little Red' Our Red Panda Cub!

We are excited and proud to announce that our endangered red panda; Tilly, has given birth to a ‘miracle’ cub one month after the devastating passing of beloved Nam Pang, creating a lasting legacy in his honour here at Hertfordshire’s number one Zoo. 

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In the early hours of 16th of July on one of the hottest days and weeks in UK history, the zoo’s CCTV cameras captured the incredible moment when Tilly gave birth to a miraculous, beautiful and healthy cub. ‘Little Red’ continues to grow and is starting to develop their markings and colouring, at the first health checks by the vet in the upcoming months keeper will be able to know ‘Little Red’s’ gender. 

Tilly and Nam Pang were part of the international breeding program, whilst they had not successfully conceived over the past four years of being together. Global fans of the couple have sent to us adoring messages of support, love and concern of how Tilly is coping. Red pandas are naturally solitary animals and often only come together when mating season is present. Tilly’s zoo keeping team continued 

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To monitor Tilly’s behaviour to ensure that she continued to be comfortable and happy on her own. Whilst watching her closely, keepers noticed two weeks after Nam Pang’s passing Tilly had begun to nest. 

During morning checks on the 16th of July, Tilly’s keepers noticed a small furry addition laying next to her in the nest box. ‘Little Red’ is still very vulnerable up to six months old but is growing well. Red panda cubs do not begin venturing out of the nest for around two to three months after birth. However, Tilly continues to be spotted by her adoring fans enjoying the sunshine and people watching across the Zoo. 

Aaron Whitnall, star of the CBBC show One Zoo Three states: ‘This cub has become a symbol of hope, after the tragic passing of Nam Pang, for his memory and legacy to live on, is more than we ever expected.’ The birth of ‘Little Red’ creates a beautiful ending for a tragic heartbreaking story that shocked the community in the month of June.

Did you know you can Meet the Red Pandas here at the Park! Book Now!

Here at our Hertfordshire Zoo we are part of the European Ex-Situ Breeding Program to help create a safety net for endangered species in the wild. Red Panda’s are classed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List, with around less than 10,000 remaining in the wild. They are highly threatened due to deforestation and illegal pet trade, the Park works closely with the Red Panda Network to help conserve and protect this species. You can do your part through adopting our Red Pandas which directly supports conservation!

 

Please note ‘Little Red’ is currently not able to be seen and will be in the nest month for the next couple of months!

 

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