Vienna, Austria - November 05, 2024 The red pandas at Vienna Zoo have embarked on a new adventure in their larger, revamped enclosure, previously home to coatis. The new habitat spans nearly 300 square meters, providing the red pandas with twice the space they had in their historic quarters. Zoo director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck announced the exciting changes, highlighting the benefits for the animals and visitors alike. The freed-up area will be integrated into the giant panda enclosure, further enhancing the zoo's offerings. “We are always thinking about how we can make the best use of the zoo's space for our animals,” he stated. The newly adapted facility, situated between the rainforest house and polar bear world, features a large climbing frame made from robinia trunks and natural trees, allowing the red pandas to explore their surroundings actively. Visitors will enjoy clear views of the playful pandas and will soon be able to observe small-clawed otters frolicking in the water as they join the red pandas in a shared enclosure. The preparation for the move included targeted training sessions that conditioned the red pandas to enter transport boxes voluntarily, ensuring a smooth transition to their new home. With dedicated feeding and sleeping areas established in a pine tree and a protected space for the otters to warm up during winter, the zoo is poised to offer an enriching experience for both the animals and the public. The red pandas have already begun to curiously explore their spacious new environment.