A 'miracle' endangered red panda cub at Paradise Wildlife Park has ventured outdoors for the first time.
The tiny paws of the cute cub - fondly known as ‘Little Red’ - have been spotted outside the nest box at the popular Hertfordshire zoo exploring the great outdoors.
Paradise Wildlife Park announced the miracle birth this summer after the very sad passing of the Broxbourne-based zoo's male red panda, Nam Pang.
On July 16, mum Tilly gave birth to ‘Little Red’ - a month after father Nam Pang died.
When this news was announced to the world by Paradise keepers, the story went viral, with people eagerly awaiting a glimpse of 'Little Red' and their red panda mum.
PWP managers have still to officially name ‘Little Red’ and this will soon be put out for public vote.
The adorable cub has, however, taken their first steps in the great outdoors from the nest box with mum Tilly.
A Paradise Wildlife Park spokesperson said: "Whilst the cub is being very brave and wanting to climb everywhere, mum Tilly is still very protective and keeps putting ‘Little Red’ back into the nest box.
"However, ‘Little Red’ is slowly appearing more and more each day and visitors might even get to spot the cub trying to climb the areas near the nest box when visiting the park."
Red pandas are classed as 'Endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Human exploitation of forest resources and fragmentation has caused a 50 per cent decline of the species in the last 20 years, leaving approximately 2,500 remaining in the wild.
Tilly and ‘Little Red’ continue to act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping to educate the public and raising awareness for the species.
Paradise Wildlife Park, which will rebrand as Hertfordshire Zoo for its 40th anniversary in 2024, raises awareness through daily educational talks.
The zoo in White Stubbs Lane, near Newgate Street, hosts dedicated species days throughout the year, to raise additional vital funds for conservation.
Tilly is an internet superstar, loved globally for her acrobatic antics and adorable character, and PWP officials says "there is no doubt now ‘Little Red’ is out and about they will be the same".
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