Lifeguards for red pandas: Kamala and ASA bring hope!

Lifeguards for red pandas: Kamala and ASA bring hope!

Leipzig, Deutschland - A new chapter for the red pandas in Germany begins: Kamala, 13 months old red panda female, society of ASA, a male conspecific from a French zoo, has been preserved in the Leipzig zoo. The zoo director Prof. Jörg Junhold expressed optimistically about the future interaction of the two animals as part of the European conservation breeding program. Asa is currently in the case of getting used to the rear enclosures and will soon have the opportunity to get to know Kamala and the outdoor facilities. The anticipation for a harmonious acquaintance and maybe even on youngsters is great. Kamala came to Leipzig some time ago and got used to her new home in the high mountain landscape of Himalaya. In the immediate vicinity of the snow leopards and crested dogs, she visibly feels comfortable.

But the red Panda community is not only growing in Leipzig. The 23rd Red Panda puppy was recently born in the Görlitz-Zgorzelec nature conservation park. This zoo, which has held red pandas since 1997 and has been regularly breeding for 24 years, also takes part in the European ex-situ breeding program (EEP). These efforts are crucial for the preservation of the strongly endangered animal species. Tara, the zoo mascot, said: "We are very happy about the newcomer!" Her offspring comes from the Panda lady Zayah, who came from the Netherlands in 2021 to Görlitz, which is single parent because the father Metok is not involved in rearing. A screen in the panda rod enables visitors to observe the still nameless puppy on his way to grow up.

challenges for the red panda art

But the protection of the red pandas is a serious challenge. The loss of their habitat, illegal hunting and animal trade as well as distemper diseases that are distributed by domestic dogs represent considerable threats. That is why use is of great importance not only within the zoos, but also in the habitats of the animals. The Magdeburg Zoo, for example, is involved as a partner of the Red Panda Network (RPN), a nature conservation organization that campaigns for the preservation of wild pandas and its habitat. Here a community-based conservation is followed that integrates the local population into nature conservation.

With initiated programs, you not only improve the living conditions of the local people, but also reduces the pressure on natural resources, which ultimately benefits the red pandas. The Magdeburg Zoo supports the RPN project with 3500 euros to promote the Forest Guardian program. This finances the monitoring of the Panda habitat and clarifies the municipalities through environmental protection. The locals play a decisive role in saving these fascinating animals and their habitat.

The initiatives in Leipzig, Görlitz and Magdeburg impressively show how important the cohesion in the zoo animal world and nature conservation are. The red panda is not only a symbol of biodiversity, but also a call for the responsible preservation of our nature.