IN the last 20 years, Red Pandas living in the wild have declined by 50 per cent.
That is both astonishing and sad.
However, there has been some positive news that this may be changing.
By housing two Red Pandas, Charu and Mei Li the Lake District Wildlife Park is doing everything it can to help conserve this endearing species.
The Park is involved in nine European Endangered Species Breeding Programmes (EEP) and one of these is for the conservation of Red Pandas.
The EEP is essentially a regulated form of online dating for animals!
The Park was given the go ahead to breed Red Pandas a couple of years ago however they have not yet seen or heard the pitter patter of tiny paws.
The other important conservation role that Charu and Mei Li play is raising awareness.
The adorable pair probably do not realise how much they are helping Red Pandas in the wild by simply being at the Park for visitors to see.
Everyday expert Keepers hold a talk at feeding time which gives people a chance to see them up close and learn about their individual characteristics and their plight in the wild.
The Park is also involved in fundraising and together with Armathwaite Hall Hotel makes generous donations to the Red Panda Network.
This international charity is making real progress with Red Panda conservation in the wild.
The Park also makes an annual contribution to the Forest Guardian Scheme a project run by the Red Panda Network.
Forest Guardians live and work in the foothills of the Himalayas.
They recently conducted a study in eastern Nepal, which found strong evidence that the Red Panda population in the area is gradually increasing.
The funds help to restore Red Panda habitat, plant bamboo for them to eat and prevent poaching in the area.
It is positive and encouraging to hear that the funds raised and donated over the years really have made a difference.
However, there is still so much more conservation work to be done such as the tagging and monitoring of Red Pandas.
The Park continues to support the conservation of Red Pandas and if you haven’t seen them before pop into the Park to meet Charu and Mei Li.
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