Endangered Red Panda Joins Hampshire Zoo
A seven-year-old female red panda named Cherry has recently made Marwell Zoo, located near Winchester, her new home. She was transferred from Manor Wildlife Park in Wales last week and will be sharing the zoo’s red panda habitat with Tashi, a male red panda who arrived in Hampshire last year.
Conservation Status
Red pandas are currently classified as endangered, with fewer than 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild. These unique animals inhabit the trees of the Himalayas, where their preferred environment is rich in bamboo, which makes up the majority of their diet.
Threats to Survival
Carrie Arnold, the Carnivores Team Leader at Marwell Zoo, expressed enthusiasm about Cherry’s arrival: “We’re excited to welcome Cherry to Marwell, where she will share our red panda habitat with Tashi.” However, she also highlighted the threats these animals face in the wild, noting that they have been hunted for their meat, fur, and use in traditional medicine, and have been sold into the pet market.
Unique Adaptations
Red pandas possess sharp teeth and a unique adaptation known as a “false thumb.” This enlargement of one of the bones in their wrist allows them to grasp and hold onto objects, making it easier for them to manipulate bamboo and other items in their environment.
Declining Populations
The species continues to face significant challenges, as populations have declined by approximately 50% over the past 18 years. They are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these charming creatures.