WEST Midlands Safari Park has welcomed a new arrival.
A red panda cub named Omari, meaning 'light' in Nepalese, was born on June 21 to six-year-old Mei Lin and eight-year-old Sanka and has recently had her first health check.
Vicky McFarlane, head keeper of the Discovery Trail, said: "Now that the red panda cub is almost three months old, keepers and vets have carried out the first full health check.
"After checking the cub is in great health and microchipping, the vet was then able to give us the big gender reveal!
"So, we are very excited to welcome another little girl!
"Each red panda cub born here at the park is incredibly special as their numbers in the wild are dangerously low with it estimated that there are fewer than 10,000 remaining.
"This year, all animals born at the park will have names starting with the letter 'O'.
"Keepers managed to narrow down a lot of ideas and have unanimously agreed this little one's name is Omari, meaning 'light', as she really does brighten up all our days with her little mischievous face!"
Mei Lin arrived at the park in August 2021 and was joined by Sanka in March 2022 as part of the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP), which is a collaboration between European zoos to conserve endangered species.
Red pandas are sadly listed as endangered by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), due to threats such as the loss, degradation and fragmentation of their habitat, caused by human activities.
Katie McDonald, research and conservation officer, said: "West Midlands Safari Park supports the conservation organisation Red Panda Network (RPN).
"They are on the ground in Nepal fighting to increase red panda populations."
The park will celebrate International Red Panda Day on September 19, with special activities on September 19 and 20.
Visitors can meet the red panda family at the Red Panda Retreat, located in the Safari Walk area.
The park is open daily during the summer season, and guests are encouraged to book online for the best prices and a free return visit.
More information is available at the West Midlands Safari Park website.
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