Adorable red panda kit named at Edinburgh Zoo

An endangered red panda kit born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo in July has been given her first health check and named Ruby.

Article Source: RZSS Edinburgh Zoo
Last Updated: 18 September 2021 9:21

An endangered red panda kit born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo in July has been given her first health check and named Ruby, just in time for International Red Panda Day (Saturday 18 September).

Staff at the wildlife conservation charity voted for her name from a shortlist drawn up by keepers as a thank you for their hard work over the last year.

Jo Elliott, animal collection manager, carnivore keeper at Edinburgh Zoo said: “We wanted to give our kit a name which pays homage to red pandas and would also fit nicely with our previous kit’s name, Ruaridh. The carnivore team came up with a shortlist of names and put it out to our colleagues as a vote.

“Everyone at RZSS has worked so hard this last year, providing expert care for all of the animals at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park throughout the pandemic and working to connect the public with nature during lockdown. This was a small thing we could do to say thank you.

“Red pandas are a visitor favourite here at the zoo and Ruby’s birth is significant for this endangered species, which is at risk due to habitat loss and poaching.”

Although red pandas are protected in most of their native range, they are still hunted illegally for their fur and tail, which is seen as a lucky charm in some cultures.

Visitors may have to wait a little while longer to spot two-month-old Ruby for themselves, as red panda kits stay in the den until around four months old when they will then start to explore outside.

Jo continued: “As she grows, Ruby’s fur will become redder and her tail will grow bushier. She will start exploring outside with mum at first and then on her own as she becomes more independent.

“Her parents, Bruce and Ginger, can still be seen exploring outside during the day. The pair have previously proven themselves as good parents with Ruaridh, who was born here in 2019 and named by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who funded our red panda enclosure.”

Find out more about visiting the zoo at edinburghzoo.org.uk/we-are-open

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Refurbished Cafe Portrait to reopen at National Galleries Scotland Portrait

On Saturday 8 February, Heritage Portfolio, the specialist events and catering company, will reopen the fully refurbished Café Portrait at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait.

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!

Significant pledge of support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Leith Theatre

Leith Theatre Trust today revealed that it has secured a significant funding package potentially worth £4.5m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

National Lottery funding award for Community Outreach Officer at Edinburgh Open Workshop

Edinburgh Open Workshop is delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support a new Community Outreach Officer.

Jump into February Half Term Fun at Gravity Active Edinburgh

Searching for the ultimate family adventure this February Half Term? Look no further than Gravity Active Edinburgh!

First Gigs on Sale for Edinburgh Tradfest

Edinburgh Tradfest is delighted to announce the first of its gigs for 2025 are now on sale.

Lost Shore Surf Resort Introduces Ultimate Surf Getaway

Lost Shore Surf Resort is celebrating its growing popularity by introducing an exciting new “Surf and Stay” package.

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

GC Live raises over thousands for Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Campaign

This year’s Starry Nights event at Beecraigs Country Park and the Fawkes Festival at the Royal Highland Centre raised a combined £6,000 for Cash for Kids Edinburgh, The Lothians, Fife, and Falkirk.

Dynamic Earth Extends Biggest Hands On Careers Showcase in Scotland

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce the return and extension of its School Careers Showcase: Your Planet, Your Future.

February at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Valentine's Day to Rugby, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events this February!

Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Edinburgh

Edinburgh's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.

The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.

EH Rewards by Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood

Local Edinburgh residents are invited to take advantage of some exciting offers at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood.

Roll a double two to WIN as Duck & Waffle Edinburgh celebrate 2nd Birthday

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh in St James Quarter is celebrating its second birthday this week, and all guests are invited to play a special birthday game that can see you dine for free.

Lunar New Year at St James Quarter

It’s the Year of the Snake, and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter had an exciting line-up of celebrations taking place at the weekend.

Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

itison Us charity call out

itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.

Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 7th and 8th February

Buzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.

Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!

Limited Edition Whisky Launched in Edinburgh

A limited edition whisky has been produced celebrating Edinburgh Castle’s iconic One O’Clock Gun with only 288 bottles made exclusive to Historic Environment Scotland.

Celebrate Lunar New Year at St James Quarter Edinburgh

It’s the Year of the Snake and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter has its exciting line up of celebrations taking place this weekend.

Romance and Relaxation at The Leddie

The Leddie, Aberlady's boutique hotel and restaurant, has today unveiled its latest Valentine-focused event programme to bring people together in a cosy and intimate setting.

Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.