TWO CAPTIVATING NEW ARRIVALS TRANSFORM WILDLIFE WATCHING AT PAIGNTON ZOO
Paignton Zoo has welcomed two charismatic new residents who will share neighbouring enclosures, each bringing their own unique charm to Devon’s premier wildlife destination. A female red panda from Les Terres de Natae, France, and a female brown spider monkey from Zoo Amiens Métropole have both arrived as part of important conservation breeding programmes.
The red panda’s arrival brings particular excitement as a potential companion for Ember, the zoo’s beloved but notoriously elusive resident. Visitors have often left disappointed after failing to spot Ember in her treetop hideaways, but zoo staff are optimistic that companionship will encourage both pandas to become more active and visible.
James Shora, mammal keeper at Paignton Zoo, commented:
“We’re fascinated to see how these two will interact. Ember has always been quite content in her own company, but we’re expecting her curiosity about the newcomer will draw her into more visible areas.”
The prediction appears well-founded, as red pandas typically become more active and engaging when housed with companions, often showing playful interactions and increased curiosity about their surroundings.
Next door, their new neighbour brings the athletic energy of Central and South American rainforests to Devon. The female brown spider monkey joins an established group of three: females Luna and Lena, and male Kikou. Her arrival adds fresh dynamics to the existing troop while strengthening the zoo’s breeding programme for this critically endangered species.
James continued:
“The contrast between our red pandas and spider monkeys is wonderful for visitors. The red pandas offer those quieter, more contemplative moments, while the spider monkeys bring incredible dynamic energy from the forest canopies of South America. It’s like having two completely different worlds side by side.”
Both species face alarming threats in their natural habitats, making every zoo birth and successful pairing crucial for conservation efforts. Red pandas are classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 10,000 mature individuals believed to remain in the wild. Habitat destruction and fragmentation continue to devastate their native Himalayan and Chinese forests.
The situation is even more dire for brown spider monkeys, which are critically endangered with declining populations throughout their range in Colombia and Venezuela. These tree-dwelling primates face the dual threat of illegal hunting for the pet trade and rapid habitat destruction in the upper forest canopy areas they call home. While reserves and legal protections exist in South America, enforcement remains challenging.
Each viewing opportunity offers visitors a chance to connect with these remarkable species while supporting vital conservation work that extends far beyond Devon’s borders.
While the brown spider monkey will initially remain off-show to visitors as the primates are introduced, the new red panda will be visible from 18 June. Zoo staff recommend morning hours and late afternoon visits when red pandas are typically most active. With two red pandas now calling Paignton home, the chances of spotting at least one throughout the day have significantly improved.
Book your tickets now to meet the newest neighbours.