Bristol Zoo Project unveils latest resident
Nilo the Red Panda is three-years-old
Bristol Zoo Project (BZP) has unveiled its latest resident, saying the animal has a vital role to play in the future of its species.
Three-year-old red panda Nilo has arrived from ZSL Whipsnade into a brand new habitat, which staff say has been tailor made to suit his needs.
Nilo is part of a European breeding programme for red pandas, as researchers believe their population has declined by 40 per cent over the last 50 years.
Estimates suggest there are just 2,500 left in the wild.
BZP is also home to giraffe, cheetah, zebra, deer, ostrich, gelada baboons and lemurs among other animals.
The zoo also boats Bear Wood, which is home to brown bears, lynxes, wolverines and wolves.
Formally known as Wild Place Project, Bristol Zoo Project announced its new name in April last year, following the closure of the historic Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton.
Plans are in place to expand BZP, with construction expected to start this Spring and be completed over several years.
Eventually staff say around 80 per cent of BZP's animals will be linked to conservation work around the world.
Funding for the work is expected to come from the sale of the old Clifton site for housing.