The red panda cub, nicknamed ‘Little Red’ after stealing hearts across the world last summer, is once again causing a stir in the county of Hertfordshire. He is set to be relocated to a new home today in a bittersweet moment for us here at Paradise Wildlife Park.
Tashi, the red panda cub’s official name, was born last summer here at the Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park. His first year from birth, gender reveal, to his first snow day, was followed by thousands across the world, who were moved by the miracle story of mum Tilly and cub Tashi, as well as his ever-growing cheeky behaviour. Tashi has been learning his crate training in the lead-up to his move with his keepers and has been doing incredibly well.
This is a truly bittersweet moment, we are very proud of how Tashi has raised an incredible awareness for the species. Tashi has grown into a strong, confident red panda and as with all animal moves in zoos this is incredibly important for awareness and conservation of species.’ Last year Tashi’s miracle birth reach over 140 news outlets across the globe and raised conversations about the conservation of the species. Tashi will continue to be an ambassador for his species at his new home Marwell Zoo where his fans from across the globe will be able to visit him. Mum Tilly will remain as an ambassador at Paradise Wildlife Park.
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% decline in the species over the last 20 years, leaving approximately only 2,500 remaining in the wild. Both mum Tilly at Paradise Wildlife Park and Tashi at his new home, will continue to act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping to educate the public and raising awareness for the species.
Paradise Wildlife Park and Marwell Zoo will continue to share updates on the cub’s move and how Tashi settles into his new home. Follow Paradise Wildlife Park’s social channels to follow the story.
