Posted on Wednesday 14th September, 2016
Keeper Becky Waite comments
“This little cutie was quite a handful. The vet check went very well and I am
happy to report that he’s a boy and is very healthy. He now has a microchip for
lifelong identification.”
The cub, which has been named
‘Koda’, meaning little bear, was born at 6.30pm on July 10th to mum
Jai-Li and dad Lang Za. This is her seventh cub, she has had three sets of
twins in previous years but this year she’s had just one.
Watch a short VIDEO clip of
the cub during his vet check https://youtu.be/PXrU6gVwNbE
Director Alison Hales
comments “Paradise Park participates in the Red Panda European captive breeding
programme, and this cub is a valuable addition. Swapping
with other collections keeps the captive
population healthy in case there might be a need for a reintroductions in
future years.
One of our cubs from last
year ‘Rusty’, recently moved Krefeld Zoo in Germany to join a mate, and at the
same time, we welcomed ‘Suri’ who came from Port Lympne Reserve, the wildlife
sanctuary in Kent.
After a successful trial at
the beginning of 2016 we plan to re-introduce Red Panda Experiences for 2017. These events raise money for the Red
Panda Network, which is committed to the conservation of wild red pandas and
their habitat through the education and empowerment of local communities. So
keep an eye on our website www.paradisepark.org.uk
and Facebook/Twitter pages for more news.”
Now two months old, in
another month the cub should achieve his full adult colouring. He will start
eating solid foods at this point, weaning at around six to eight months of age.
Cubs stay with their mother until the next litter is born in the following
summer. Males rarely help raise the young. The species is generally quiet
except for squealing and grunting by cubs, and whistling communication sounds.
The Red Panda is classed as Vulnerable in the bamboo forests on the slopes of
the Himalayas, and it is believed that their numbers could now be as low as
2,500. The existing population is expected to decline by 10% every 10 years.
One way to help is by joining the www.redpandanetwork.org to spread the word, adopting a Red Panda or
sponsoring a Forest Guardian. These guardians conduct awareness-building
workshops in local villages and schools, do research for the Red Panda Network
and establish community-based protected areas.
