Zurich, Switzerland – The mating season for two red pandas at Zurich Zoo began nearly nine weeks ago, offering hope for offspring of this critically endangered species. For a short time each winter, these solitary animals tolerate the company of the opposite sex, and recent courtship has been encouraging.

The female carefully pulled a branch with delicate twigs, bit it gently, and carried it to the nesting cave. There, she added it to the nest already lined with straw and smaller branches. Increased activity and nest-building are clear signs that mating season is underway.

Red pandas are solitary outside of winter, and this was the first courtship for both animals. The male, born in June 2023, had just reached sexual maturity. Initial caution soon gave way to interest, marked by scent-marking through rubbing their rear ends against trees and branches.

In early January, zookeepers observed several matings on consecutive days. The female later signaled she would no longer tolerate approaches, suggesting the mating may have been successful. Confirmation of pregnancy will not be possible until May at the earliest, given the species’ 112–158 day gestation period.

Red pandas are among the most endangered animals in the wild. Their population has dropped by half over the past 20 years, largely due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human activity. Social media images of “cute” pandas have also fueled illegal hunting and the pet trade, further threatening their survival.

The current European reserve population numbers 358 animals, spread across 176 institutions, making every potential offspring vital to the species’ preservation.

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