Endangered Red Panda Cubs Born at Fota Wildlife Park

• Two rare red panda cubs have been welcomed at Fota Wildlife Park, marking the first births of this endangered species at the Cork conservation centre in two years.

The cubs, born on 7 June 2025, are the offspring of three-year-old mother Suzi, who arrived from Berlin Zoo, and seven-year-old father Grga, a resident since his 2019 transfer from Zagreb Zoo in Croatia. The births represent a significant success for the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), as red panda populations continue to decline in their native habitats across the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.

Currently nestled safely in their nesting box with their protective mother, the cubs are not yet visible to the public. However, visitors to the popular Cork attraction may soon catch glimpses of the youngsters as they begin exploring their habitat in the coming weeks, typically during quieter morning and evening periods.

Lead Ranger Julien Fonteneau said:

"We're absolutely delighted to announce the births of the two red pandas. It's been two years since we last welcomed red panda cubs at Fota Wildlife Park. Their mother, Suzi, is a first-time mum and has taken to her new role with ease. She's currently being very protective, displaying typical red panda maternal behaviour by keeping the cubs secure, while diligently feeding and grooming them."

The ranger emphasised the broader conservation significance:

"Being involved in the care of an endangered species is one of the most meaningful aspects of the animal care work at Fota Wildlife Park. We hope that the red panda births will raise awareness around species and biodiversity loss and will inspire and educate the visiting public and future generations."

The wildlife park is inviting the public to participate in naming the cubs, with two Conservation annual passes up for grabs for the winning suggestions. Name entries can be submitted through the park's blog at www.fotawildlife.ie/blogs/news, giving Cork families a chance to be part of this conservation success story.

Red pandas face severe threats in the wild, primarily from habitat loss and poaching. The species is listed as endangered, making breeding programmes like Fota's crucial for their survival. The park's success in breeding these notoriously difficult-to-breed animals speaks to the quality of care and habitat provided on Fota Island.

The Cork climate proves particularly suitable for red panda husbandry. The park grows its own bamboo on-site, taking advantage of Fota Island's sheltered and temperate conditions to ensure a sustainable food supply for these primarily herbivorous animals. Their diet is occasionally supplemented with fruits, insects, and small animals, particularly during the summer months.

For those eager to learn more about wildlife conservation, Fota Wildlife Park will host its Bug Bonanza Weekend on 16 and 17 August at the Education, Conservation and Research Centre. The event, included with admission, will feature talks and displays on invertebrate biodiversity, with contributions from the Irish Bee Conservation Project and University College Cork. Complimentary face painting will be available from noon to 2:45 pm each day.

The park remains open daily from 9:30 am, with tickets available at www.fotawildlife.ie. Updates on the red panda cubs' progress will be shared on Fota Wildlife Park's social media platforms as they grow and become more adventurous in their island home.