Two red pandas are now able to call the Hunter home, with the endangered species securing a new lease on life at a local wildlife park.
Brother and sister, Keisho and Khyana, recently arrived in the region from Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
They were the first of their kind welcomed to the Oakvale Wildlife Park in Salt Ash and will be living in a new, purpose-built habitat.
Known for their striking russet fur, playful personalities and curious nature, red pandas are a rare and treasured species.
Native to the Himalayan forests, they are classified as endangered, with likely fewer than 10,000 left in the wild.
Though the exact number is unknown, some estimates suggest there could be as few as 2,500 red pandas left.
Climate change, habitat loss and poaching are the species’ biggest killers, identified as being significantly threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2008.
Oakvale Wildlife Park owner Kent Sansom said they hoped to raise awareness of their preservation needs and inspire the public to care for the environments they call home.
“We’re beyond excited to welcome Keisho and Khyana,” he stated.
“They’re sure to steal the hearts of everyone who visits… and we can’t wait to share their story with our community.
“We’ve experienced some significant challenges since May due to the largest flood event in the park’s history.
“So, it’s especially rewarding to now bring something new and exciting for our customers to enjoy.”
It’s the park’s first significant animal acquisition since the opening of its meerkat exhibit in 2019.
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