Paradise Park mourn loss of 'cherished' Red Panda, Suri
Their much-loved Red Panda, who arrived back in 2016 at the Cornish animal sanctuary, has passed away
Last updated 25th Nov 2025
Paradise Park is mourning the loss of Suri, their much-loved Red Panda, who has passed away.
Suri arrived at the wildlife sanctuary in 2016 from a reserve in Kent, and became a favourite with visitors, often coming down from the trees during Red Panda Experience sessions.
Keepers say she helped raise thousands of pounds for conservation efforts, including tree planting and protected areas for Red Pandas in the wild.
Suri’s companion Jai-Li will continue to be cared for, and the park says they hope to welcome more Red Pandas in the future.
Keeper Becky Waite said: “She was over ten years old, which is a good age for a Red Panda.
"She was very popular, especially with those who participated in our Red Panda Experiences.
"During these sessions, and thanks to her training, guests were able to hand-feed Suri and she would often choose to sit on their laps while they learned about the species and the conservation efforts to protect Red Pandas in the wild.”
In an emotional statement, the team at Paradise Park said: "We are saddened to announce the passing of Suri, our beloved Red Panda.
"Suri originally arrived at Paradise Park in 2016, having come from Port Lympne Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary in Kent. She was naturally more shy than some of the others, but with encouragement from her companion Jai-Li, Suri would often descend from the trees, much to the delight of visitors.
"Over the past ten years, Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary has contributed £20,720 to the Red Panda Network, thanks to donations from the Red Panda Experience programme. These funds have supported the ‘Red Panda Protected Forest’, establishing the world’s first protected area dedicated to Red Pandas, and the ‘Plant A Red Panda Home’ campaign, which has resulted in the planting of 15,113 trees.
"None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication of the Red Pandas Keepers. Using positive reinforcement training, they spend considerable time with the animals so that they are comfortable with veterinary checks and this also makes memorable visitor experiences possible.
"Suri leaves behind her companion Jai-Li, who will continue to receive plenty of attention from the Keepers. Paradise Park is part of the European breeding programme for the species and we hope to welcome more Red Pandas in the future."