There's an adorable new arrival at Hertfordshire Zoo.
Meet Ash, the zoo's cute new red panda.
Ash made a significant journey from the Welsh Mountain Zoo to his new home in Hertfordshire back in January.
Visitors to the Herts zoo — formerly known as Paradise Wildlife Park — can now see the charming red panda in his new home.
Ash is two years old and is a companion for female red panda Tilly, following the sad death of the much-loved Nam Pang in the summer of 2022.
Tilly gave birth to miracle cub 'Little Red' — later named Tashi after a public vote — in July 2022, one month after the passing of partner Nam Pang.
Young Tashi, which means good luck and fortune in Nepalese, has since moved to Marwell Zoo in Hampshire.
According to Hertfordshire Zoo, new arrival Ash has "settled in well so far, although he is still a little shy".
Ash's relocation from the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, Wales, to Hertfordshire Zoo is more than just a simple move. He arrives as an ambassador for his species.
His arrival symbolises the zoo's ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation and is part of the Endangered Species Breeding Programme.
"He is here as a companion for Tilly," said the zoo in a video posted on Instagram, "but she is still getting used to sharing her sleeping spots."
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Red pandas — known for their distinctive reddish-brown fur and bushy tails — are an 'Endangered' species, making Ash's arrival an event of considerable significance for conservationists and animal lovers alike.
A zoo spokesperson said: "By bringing Ash to Hertfordshire, the zoo not only provides a safe and nurturing environment for him but also raises awareness about red pandas in the wild.
"Through educational programmes and interactive exhibits, the zoo aims to inspire visitors to take an active role in conservation efforts."
Being part of the Endangered Species Breeding Programme, the zoo plays a crucial role in the efforts to preserve these magnificent animals for generations to come.
The mainly solitary species red pandas are classed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Human exploitation of forest resources and fragmentation has caused a 50 per cent decline in the species over the last 20 years, leaving approximately only 2,500 remaining in the wild.
Both Tilly and Ash at Hertfordshire Zoo will continue to act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping to educate the public and raising awareness for the species.
You can visit Ash and Tilly on your next visit to Hertfordshire Zoo in White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne.
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