This is the delightful moment pandas play in the snow at the Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria.

Footage shows two giant pandas enjoying the winter weather, amusing visitors with playful antics in fresh powder.

Zoo Director Dr Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck said: 'This weather is reminiscent of that in Chinese mountain forests and is therefore perfect for the giant pandas.

'With a bit of luck, visitors can watch the two frolicking in the snow in their respective enclosures. The male and female really encourage each other to romp around in the winter landscape.'

On snowy days, the animals abandon their usual routine of eating and resting. They climb snow-covered tree trunks, roll in the snow, and interact playfully, with only the black patches around their eyes visible at first glance.

Dr Eveline Dungl, zoological curator at the zoo, said: 'Pandas have a thick coat of fur that keeps them warm. Even the soles of their paws are covered in fur. This also prevents them from slipping on snow and ice.'

The animals' stocky build and short limbs help reduce heat loss, a vital adaptation for surviving in their natural habitat, the mountain forests of southeastern China.