Credit: Banham Zoo/Cover Images Banham Zoo’s twin red panda cubs have taken their first steps outdoors. The playful pair, born on 22 June 2025, have been growing quickly under the attentive care of their mother, Lu, and are now beginning to explore their outdoor habitat — much to the delight of the zoo’s animal care team and visitors lucky enough to spot them. The zoo has also officially revealed the cubs’ names: the female has been named Yun, meaning “cloud” in Chinese, while her brother will be called Ajay, meaning “unconquered” or “invincible” in Hindi. The birth of Yun and Ajay represents an important success for the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP), which works to protect and sustain vulnerable species such as the red panda (Ailurus fulgens). Red pandas are currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 2,500 estimated to remain in the wild. Their numbers continue to decline due to deforestation, habitat loss and poaching, making every successful birth a vital contribution to the species’ survival. As a proud member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), Banham Zoo says it remains committed to protecting endangered wildlife through world-class animal care, breeding initiatives and conservation work both in the UK and around the world. Sarah Stogden, Team Leader of Carnivores, said: “Our red panda twins Yun and Ajay are growing in confidence every day as they continue to explore their habitat under mum Lu’s watchful eye, and they have been delighting guests lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them. “Their individual personalities are starting to shine through — the darker-faced of the two is more adventurous and quicker to follow Lu high up in the treetops, whilst its sibling takes its time navigating the branches. Over the coming months the keepers will begin building up a relationship with the pair so that they can participate in training sessions alongside Lu and allow us to read their microchips, which they were given during their August health check with our vet, allowing us to confirm which panda is which!” Visitors will have the chance to see Yun and Ajay in their habitat this October half-term as they continue to grow bolder and explore their surroundings — offering families a memorable day out while supporting the conservation of these rare and beautiful animals.