Woburn Safari Park has welcomed a young male red panda from France as part of an international breeding initiative to protect the endangered species.
Kochi, born on 21 June 2025, is the first red panda to arrive at the park since 2019 following a recommendation from the EAZA Ex situ Programme.
Conservation coordinators identified Kochi as a suitable future breeding partner for Woburn’s resident female, Mali, based on the genetic and demographic needs of the managed population.
Breeding programme
The international transfer required 177 days of preparation and covered 800 miles of travel across Europe.
Teams managed 76 separate documents containing thousands of pages, including CITES permits, licences, veterinary health certification, diet sheets, studbook recommendations, and certificates of origin.
The journey involved 27 animal encounters staff, two sign-off vets, and one temperature-controlled vehicle maintained between five and 20 degrees Celsius.
Travel logistics
Catherine Doherty, head of animal encounters, said: “Kochi’s move has been months in the making. Every detail, from his travel crate to the timing of his journey, was planned with his welfare at the forefront.
“Seeing him arrive calm, healthy and curious is incredibly rewarding for the whole team.
“Preparing for Kochi’s arrival has been a real team effort. From veterinary checks to habitat adjustments, every step was designed to support his wellbeing.
“We are excited to watch him grow and eventually begin introductions with Mali.”
Home preparation
Ahead of his arrival, staff prepared the custom-built red panda house to ensure a calm settling-in period.
Red panda keeper Harry designed and built a new double nest box to provide resting choices for both Kochi and Mali as eventual introductions begin.
Keepers are currently monitoring Kochi’s appetite, activity levels, and behaviour while visitors can view him through an observation window.
Species protection
Red pandas are currently classified as endangered in the wild, facing ongoing threats from habitat loss and poaching in native Himalayan forests.
Their distinctive red coats and white facial markings provide natural camouflage against mosses and lichens in their mountain habitat.
By taking part in the coordinated European breeding programme, Woburn Safari Park aims to support the long-term survival of the species.
