New red panda Kamala moves into Leipzig Zoo – a new star!

New red panda Kamala moves into Leipzig Zoo – a new star!

There is an exciting new addition to Leipzig Zoo: Kamala, a ten-month-old red panda, moved into her new habitat today. Kamala comes from France and will move into the enclosure, which has been empty since the deaths of Lilo and Zimai in 2024. The animal keepers are preparing everything to make it easier for her to settle in. Holger, one of the zookeepers, is busy equipping the enclosure with bamboo, which will provide both cover and food for the curious panda. Kamala was delivered in a heavy transport crate and appeared a little agitated upon her arrival, which led to Holger initially giving her the space she needed to acclimatise. Leipzig Zoo plans to keep more red pandas in the future in order to promote the breeding successes that have already been achieved in the past.

Animal keeper Lasse Nieberding was enthusiastic about Kamala. He emphasized that red pandas, also known as lesser pandas or cat bears, are very popular animals in the zoo. The facility has been quieter in recent years after the male Zimai died in July 2024 and the female partner Lilo had to be euthanized in October 2023. The return of a new female like Kamala marks a new beginning and a new era for the red pandas at Leipzig Zoo.

Settling in and outlook

After Kamala stepped out of her transport box, she initially appeared cautious, but also curious. The zookeepers expect that she will quickly get used to the new smells and the presence of people. This adjustment period will be crucial in building a bond between the animal and the caretakers. The goal is also to achieve future breeding success and to support the zoo's red panda population.

Red pandas feed primarily on bamboo and require plenty of space to climb and play. Kamala will live with crested deer at the facility, offering visitors a variety of animals. Zoo visitors' interest in these eye-catching and charming animals is constantly growing, so those responsible for the zoo see the reintroduction of red pandas as an important project. It remains to be seen how Kamala will settle in, but expectations are certainly positive.

The Leipzig Zoo has already carried out successful breeding programs for red pandas in the past. These new breeding efforts are intended not only to contribute to the conservation of the species, but also to stimulate the interest and enthusiasm of visitors. The return of the red pandas to Leipzig is an exciting step into the future.