The tiny twins were welcomed by proud parents Jasper and Lushan, affectionately known as Lu, and their arrival marks a joyful moment for our animal care team and an important step forward for red panda conservation. Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) are classed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 2,500 believed to remain in the wild. Their numbers continue to decline due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation and poaching, making every successful birth incredibly valuable. In the wild, red panda cubs are born blind and completely dependent on their mother, spending their early weeks hidden away in a nesting den while they grow stronger.

The birth of the cubs followed careful planning as part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP). After a breeding recommendation, Lu arrived at Banham Zoo just over a year ago from West Midlands Safari Park to join our male, Jasper. These carefully managed programmes help ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations of endangered animals in human care and play a vital role in long-term species conservation.

Here at Banham Zoo, our red pandas are cared for by a dedicated team who provide the highest standards of welfare in spacious, naturalistic habitats designed to encourage natural behaviours. From expert daily care to behind-the-scenes monitoring, every detail is focused on giving both adults and cubs the very best start in life.

As Deborah Harris, Animal Manager at Banham Zoo, explains, welcoming a litter of red panda cubs is always a special moment. Lu is already proving to be a fantastic first-time mum, showing calm, attentive care to her cubs as they continue to develop. Births like these are a powerful reminder of the role zoos play in protecting endangered species and inspiring people to care about wildlife.

Although the cubs are expected to remain tucked away in their nesting den for a few more weeks, visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them later in the summer as they begin to explore their surroundings. Their arrival makes the summer holidays an especially exciting time to visit Banham Zoo, enjoy a memorable family day out and support vital conservation work helping to secure a future for red pandas.