28/07/2026
Our Red Panda girls have embarked on the next chapter of their journey after moving to France as part of an international conservation breeding programme.
Sisters Xiao Mei (Little Beauty) and Xiao Bao (Little Treasure), affectionately known by keepers as Mei and Bao, were born at Amazon World Zoo Park on 17 June 2025 to mother Xiao Xing, known as Xiao, and father Flint.
Their birth marked a significant achievement for us, as successfully breeding red pandas plays an important role in safeguarding the future of this endangered species.
The pair have now moved to Parc de l’Auxois in France, where they will continue to contribute to the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP), a carefully managed breeding and conservation programme coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). As you can see by the photos they are settling in well to their new home. The EEP works by pairing animals across accredited zoos based on their genetics, age and health. This helps to maintain genetically diverse populations of endangered species. These programmes ensure future generations of threatened animals can thrive while supporting wider conservation efforts.
Red pandas are currently classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with wild populations threatened by habitat loss, climate change and poaching. It’s estimated that fewer than 10,000 red pandas remain in the wild, with the global red panda population declining by 50% in 20 years according to the Red Panda Network.
Rachel Patrick, Head Keeper reflects on Mei and Bao’s time at the zoo:
“Watching these two incredible female red pandas grow from tiny cubs into independent young adults has been an absolute highlight for our entire keeping team. While we will miss their playful energy daily, sending them to France is a vital step forward for the international breeding programme. We are incredibly proud to contribute to the global conservation of this endangered species, and we know our colleagues in France will cherish them just as much as we have.”
While saying goodbye to Mei and Bao has been emotional for the team, the move marks exactly what conservation breeding programmes are designed to achieve. We hope the story of Mei and Bao will help visitors better understand the vital role accredited zoos play in protecting endangered species.
