Leipzig Zoo Staff Astounded: "I've Been Anticipating This Moment!"
Leipzig Zoo Prepares for the Arrival of Red Panda Kamala
The enclosure at Leipzig Zoo has been empty since the passing of Lilo and Zimai, but that is set to change within hours. Zookeeper Holger is making the final preparations for Kamala, a ten-month-old red panda, who is arriving from France.
Holger is placing bamboo, a red panda favorite, in the enclosure, intending to offer a bit of cover for the new arrival. Kamala will be the first new red panda at the zoo in nearly a year.
The heavy, unassuming box carrying Kamala arrives in Leipzig, and she is immediately taken to her new home. Holger carefully opens the hatch, greeted by curious eyes. Upon seeing her, zookeeper Lasse Nieberding expressed, "One just wants to cuddle her." The zoo has been eagerly waiting to observe red pandas again.
Kamala is just the beginning, as another red panda, the male, is expected to arrive soon. Both red pandas will participate in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) breeding program.
Red pandas, native to the eastern Himalayas and southern China, are known for their distinctive red fur and playful nature. Leipzig Zoo is among several renowned zoos in Germany that host a variety of exotic species and participate in international breeding programs.
Visitors can watch the entire "Elephant, Tiger & Co." episode featuring Kamala's arrival in the ARD Mediathek.
The new arrival, Kamala, will be ushering in a change in lifestyle at Leipzig Zoo, as she settles into her home-and-garden-style enclosure filled with bamboo. Kamala, a ten-month-old red panda, is accompanied by another red panda, a male, who is expected to join her soon, further enriching the home-and-garden setting for the pets at the zoo.
