Endangered red panda arrives at zoo

The three-year-old female, named Priya, arrived at Highland Wildlife Park from Edinburgh zoo on Tuesday, March 31.

Zoo keepers say her arrival marks the "long-awaited return" of red pandas at the park in Kingussie, Scotland.

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 - and they say they have high hopes for successfully breeding this endangered species.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity which runs both zoos, designed the new red panda habitat - which is set on a wooded hillside with lots of tall trees for climbing.