New red panda arrives at Wellington Zoo

One-year-old red panda Khus. Photo / Wellington Zoo

A new female red panda has arrived at Wellington Zoo this week.

One-year-old red panda Khusi was transferred from Hamilton Zoo, and arrived in the capital on Tuesday.

Paul Horton, Wellington Zoo life sciences manager, said she would join the red panda habitat with five-year-old MaNasa and 12-year-old Ishah.

"Khusi is just beautiful and has a lovely nature - she's very friendly and curious. She's settling in really well, and is enjoying climbing trees and exploring her new surroundings," he said.

The name Khusi was inspired by the Hindi word for happy.

She will eventually join Wellington Zoo's close encounters programme, where visitors will be able to feed her, and learn about conservation programmes in the wild.

Red pandas are endangered as a result of loss of habitat from deforestation.

Hamilton Zoo curator Samantha Kudeweh said Khusi had been popular and well-loved.

"Although we are always a little sad when one of our animals leaves us, we are very happy that Khusi has safely made the big move to Wellington Zoo and will continue to be part of the future conservation breeding program for Red Pandas."