These images show how cute endangered red pandas at the world’s oldest zoo have been gifted a Christmas tree decorated with their favourite snacks.
The footage shows the red pandas devouring their treats, picking them off the tree and munching on bamboo baubles and carrot tinsel.
The images were obtained from Schoenbrunn Zoo on 19th December along with a statement saying: “The Christmas spirit has also arrived at Schoenbrunn Zoo – and the red pandas are delighted!
“The zookeepers surprised the climbing-loving animals with a Christmas tree that was installed high up in their new climbing frame. It was decorated just the way they wanted: with carrot tinsel, steamed bamboo bread and, as a special highlight, sweet pear rings.”
Zoo director Dr Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck said: “Red pandas also love sweet fruit and the pear rings were a special treat for them on this special occasion.
“But as with all treats, the same applies here: only in moderation.
“They usually only get pears as a grated ingredient in bamboo bread.”
The statement also said: “Since the beginning of November, the red pandas have been living in their new, much larger enclosure next to the rainforest house, which they share with the small-clawed otters.
“The Christmas tree, however, was not shared. The two species in this shared apartment couldn’t be more different.”
Hering-Hagenbeck said: “While the red pandas climb high up in the trees and rest there a lot, the lively small-clawed otters stay on the ground and in the water. It is precisely these different lifestyles that make our new, unusual communal housing work so well.
“Although both species live in different habitats, their natural range in Southeast Asia partially overlaps. Another sad fact unites the two species: in the wild, both are considered endangered.”
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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