International Red Panda Day

A bamboo breakfast was more interesting for Emma, the Red Panda, than the spectacular balloon display behind her.

Keeper Samantha Peeke captured the shot during Icons of the Sky event which featured a range of air displays and is sharing it to mark International Red Panda day on Saturday (21 September).

Sam said: “I’ve waited seven years to get this picture; Emma lives close to Half Mile Pond which is at the side of the House so I knew it was possible to get a photograph of her with the balloons in the background but this is the first time she was up and about at a launch time. However, she was much more interested in her breakfast!”

A special day of activities is planned to raise funds for the Red Panda Network which works with local communities in Nepal to protect the species and its habitat.

Longleat is home to two pairs of red pandas, Emma & Lionel and Koda & Maya who are all part of an endangered species breeding programme which hopes to continue to conserve the species and create a healthy population for future generations.

Samantha said: “This species is endangered for many reasons, one of which is habitat loss. The forests where they live in Nepal, China and India are quickly disappearing, leaving them without much habitat to live in. But they also face other threats through the illegal fur and pet trade.

“Last year Emma and Lionel welcomed two cubs, Forest and Everest, who have taken their place in the programme; Forest has stayed in the UK and Everest has moved to a zoo in Sweden. Both have been paired with females with the aim of continuing the bloodline started at Longleat.”

Longleat’s Red Pandas live in two areas – by Monkey Temple in Animal Adventure and by Jungle Cruise – and keepers will be sharing more information about them on Saturday as well as supporting the Red Panda Network with different activities and the chance to win prizes.