Red pandas Jackie and Shan move into Dresden Zoo

They are red and fluffy: two giant pandas are the newest residents of Dresden Zoo. Jackie and Shan moved into their enclosure last week, as the zoo announced. The new pair are now exploring their new home and getting to know each other.

The almost five-year-old female Jackie reportedly came to Saxony from Gossau in Switzerland. She is considered curious and very sociable, but initially jumpy in unfamiliar situations. In Switzerland, she lived with her sister.

The not quite one-year-old male Shan from the zoo in Kosice, Slovakia, is her first partner. Shan is very active, curious and trusting. Dresden Zoo has high hopes for offspring.

Jackie has darker fur

If you look very closely, you can tell the two apart: Jackie has darker fur, Shan has whiter facial fur coloring. The small predators are also known as red pandas or cat bears. Despite their name, they are not closely related to the giant panda.

The pair was specifically put together as part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The aim is to ensure the genetic diversity of the highly endangered species and contribute to its long-term conservation.

Favourite food: bamboo leaves, apple, pear and sweet potato

According to the zoo, the acclimatization is going well so far. They currently prefer to eat fresh bamboo leaves, apple, pear and sweet potato. Their new enclosure reportedly offers plenty of climbing structures and natural planting. Modern litter boxes with camera technology should create the best conditions for the possible rearing of young animals.