Shepreth welcomes Red Panda twins Credit: Shepreth Wildlife Park

Shepreth Wildlife Park near Cambridge has welcomed a pair of Red Panda twins. The panda girls settled into their new habitat instantly, tasting all the different varieties of bamboo on offer. The wildlife park estimates they will be munching their way through quarter of a ton of bamboo every year. The gardening team has been busy planting throughout the grounds since the go ahead in March.

The twins settle in Credit: Shepreth Wildlife Park

The Red Pandas arrived at the beginning of September after months of preparation, getting their habitat ready and fulfilling the necessary license requirements. The habitat will be officially opened on Saturday.

The South Cambridgeshire wildlife park has wanted to home this species for over 20 years, and the dream finally became a reality after joining EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) just three years ago, allowing the collection to be included in this European Endangered Breeding Programme (EEP). The two girls, yet to be named, have joined the conservation breeding centre as part of the international breeding programme. When they reach maturity, one of the females will be exchanged with a male to assist with the EEP.

"I remember as a child my father talking about Red Panda as a species he wanted to be involved with for conservation, so it is wonderful that while we celebrate our 30th anniversary this long-term goal has finally come to fruition." – Rebecca Willers, Wildlife Park Curator