Red-y or not! Red pandas return to Highland Wildlife Park

Highland Wildlife Park has announced a sweet treat for visitors this Easter holiday with the arrival of Priya the red panda. The three-year-old female arrived at the park on Tuesday 31 March from Edinburgh Zoo and is settling in well to a brand-new habitat.

Priya’s arrival marks the long-awaited return of red pandas to Highland Wildlife Park. Previous red panda residents, Kevyn and Kitty, were relocated to Edinburgh Zoo in 2022 during the construction of Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity which runs both zoos, designed the new red panda habitat with the species’ needs at its core. Set on a wooded hillside, the habitat offers expansive views of the Cairngorms and features tall trees and climbing structures.

Michael Livingstone, carnivore team leader at Highland Wildlife Park, said: “It’s always exciting to welcome a new animal, but even more so when they are as sweet and well-mannered as little Priya. I’m excited to see our visitors fall in love with her.

“I used to look after Priya at Edinburgh Zoo, so I know her well. It’s wonderful to be reunited and to see her enjoying a new home. The habitat is beautiful, with lots of trees, areas to explore and plenty of space for her to do as she pleases. She’s going to be really happy here.”

Keepers will soon be welcoming a male red panda to join Priya, with RZSS having high hopes for successfully breeding this Endangered species. 

Red panda feeding experiences are planned for the near future.