Please note: Winter Illuminations is still scheduled to go ahead this evening but we are closely monitoring the weather. Keep an eye on our socials for the latest. The park remains open during the day but some areas will be closed. For safety reasons the Christmas Fair will remain shut.

Red Pandas

Status

Endangered Species
Size

Up to 6 kg
Threat

Habitat loss
Distribution

Himalayan forests
Diet

Herbivore

As you hike through 'Himalayan Pass' look up into the trees and spot the adorable Red Panda sisters: Alice, Ariel and Aurora.

The Red Panda trio were born in June 2019 and live in the ‘Himalayan Pass’ reserve. They all have their favourite spot to sleep high up in the trees.

Despite their species name, Red Pandas are not closely related to the Giant Panda – they are most closely related to Weasels and Racoons.

Their curved sharp, semi-retractile claws and an extension to the wrist form a false thumb to help them manipulate bamboo. They can also rotate their ankles to control their vertical descent from trees.

Where in the park?

Venture through Himalayan Pass and discover the amazing temperate valley forests of Southern Asia.

Visit Himalayan Pass

SPECIES

Red pandas were identified and named ‘Panda’ around 1826, almost 40 years before Giant Pandas who got their name due to having similar eating habits to the Red Panda!

Their habitat includes deciduous and conifer forests with an understory of bamboo on the mountain slopes and valleys of the Himalayas in Asia.