An adorable red panda has met with her ‘blind date’ after arriving at a zoo – with keepers hoping the pair will help save the species from extinction.
Two-year-old Akashi has been introduced to male panda Koda after moving to her new home as part of a conservation breeding programme.
The female, described as confident and curious, was chosen as the ideal genetic match for Koda.
READ MORE: Friendly’ FOX joins stag do for midnight kebab
- Advertisement -
New images show Akashi exploring her enclosure for the first time, climbing trees and coming face-to-face with her new companion.
Zookeepers say early signs suggest the pair are a perfect match.
The arrival took place at Chester Zoo.
Dave White, team manager, said: “Akashi has spent her first few days settling in and exploring her new home.
“At just two years old, she’s already a really confident panda and it didn’t take long before she was climbing trees, foraging for food and chewing through plenty of bamboo.
- Advertisement -
“Red pandas are shy and calm creatures, but they can be highly territorial, which is why we didn’t waste any time in introducing Akashi and Koda.
“It was a real ‘blind date’ moment, but initial signs have been incredibly positive.
“We’ve already seen some playful chasing and a couple of feisty stand-offs over the best tree branches and favourite sleep spots – which is completely normal panda behaviour and exactly what you want to see.
- Advertisement -
“Now they’re settling in, we’re hopeful that Koda and Akashi will form a strong bond and, in time, we might one day hear tiny squeaks of cubs coming from their den – playing an important role in securing a long-term future for this wonderful species.”
Conservationists hope the pair will eventually have cubs together to help boost numbers in captivity and support the wider population.
Red pandas are classed as endangered, with numbers declining sharply in recent years.
Fewer than 10,000 are thought to remain in the wild, with populations dropping by around 40% over the past two decades.
The species faces growing threats from deforestation, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
Native to mountainous regions including Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar and southern China, red pandas are considered one of the world’s most charismatic animals.
Despite their name, they are not closely related to giant pandas and are thought to be the original panda species.
Akashi arrived at the zoo on Wednesday (18 Mar) after being transferred from Blackpool Zoo, as part of ongoing global efforts to protect endangered wildlife.
READ MORE: Seven dogs trek 10 miles through the cold to find way home – just like Homeward Bound
