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Red panda cub birth a 'symbol of hope'
'Little Red' was welcomed into the world in the early hours of 16 July.
The species is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. 

Keepers at a Hertfordshire wildlife park are celebrating after the birth of an endangered red panda.

'Little Red' was welcomed into the world in the early hours of 16 July, one of the hottest days of the year, at Paradise Wildlife Park. The cub, whose gender will be confirmed in the coming months, was born to mum, Tilly, and dad Nam Pang, who sadly died one month ago. 

Tilly and Nam Pang were part of the international breeding programme for red pandas, but despite being together for the past four years, they had sadly been unable to conceive. Red pandas are naturally solitary creatures and usually only get together during mating season. 

Aaron Whitnall, star of the CBBC programme One Zoo Three, said the cub had become a "symbol of hope" for the zoo, adding that it ''creates a beautiful ending for a tragic, heartbreaking story that shocked the community".

'Little Red' is reported to be growing well and beginning to develop their colouring and markings. Red panda cubs do not start to leave their nest for around two to three months after birth, but mum Tilly continues to be spotted by her adoring fans. 

Red pandas are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. There are fewer than 10,000 remaining in the wild thanks to deforestation and the illegal pet trade.

Paradise Wildlife Park works closely with the Red Panda Network to help conserve and protect the species. 

Image (C) Paradise Wildlife Park/Robert Killips.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.