New Red Panda Joins Zagreb Zoo, Finds Companion in Ema

Zagreb Zoo is celebrating a new arrival in its red panda enclosure, with a one-year-old male named Ka shi joining the resident female, Ema. Ka shi, whose name means "sweet treat" in Japanese, comes from the Netherlands and has reportedly settled in well with Ema, who is 12 years old.

Zoo officials expressed optimism about the pair's compatibility, suggesting that their companionship might blossom into something more. This new chapter comes after the passing of Ema's previous partner, Popi, two and a half years ago. Popi was the father of three offspring: Grga (now in Ireland), Dudek (in Romania), and Regica (in the Czech Republic).

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Our red panda dynasty is opening a new chapter.

The arrival of Ka shi marks a new beginning for the Zagreb red panda lineage, which has a history of successful breeding and offspring dispersal to other European zoos. The zoo highlighted its participation in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), emphasizing the role of zoos in maintaining reserve populations of endangered animals.

Red pandas are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to threats like deforestation and human activities in their native Himalayan habitat. These pressures lead to habitat fragmentation and loss of food sources, impacting wild populations. The Himalayan Habre Center works to conserve the species and educate local communities.

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Our individuals are included in the European Breeding Programme (EEP).