An endangered red panda cub that stole the hearts of the world at a Hertfordshire zoo now needs a name.

Fondly nicknamed ‘Little Red’, the miracle cub born at Paradise Wildlife Park has begun to venture outside.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Red panda cub 'Little Red' emerging from the nest box at Paradise Wildlife Park.Red panda cub 'Little Red' emerging from the nest box at Paradise Wildlife Park. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park.)

The team at the zoo in White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, has decided it is time the cute cub receives their true name, and you can help them.

Paradise Wildlife Park has launched a naming competition with not only the opportunity to help name the world famous cub, but to also be entered into a prize draw for some panda-monium prizes!

With only a donation of £2, you can choose from the names:

  • Tashi meaning good luck / fortune in Nepalese
  • Sonam - a red panda conservationist with the Red Panda Network, or
  • Banou, a village in Nepal.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: How to name red panda cub Little Red at Paradise Wildlife ParkHow to name red panda cub Little Red at Paradise Wildlife Park (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park.)

All proceeds raised will be going to the zoo's charity - Zoological Society of Hertfordshire (ZSH) - and will be used to support ‘Little Red’ and the conservation of red pandas. 

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.

Mum Tilly and ‘Little Red’ continue to act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping to educate the public and raising awareness for the species.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Mum Tilly and red panda cub 'Little Red' at Paradise Wildlife Park in HertfordshireMum Tilly and red panda cub 'Little Red' at Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire (Image: Marwell Zoo)

Paradise Wildlife Park, which will rebrand as Hertfordshire Zoo for its 40th birthday in 2024, raises awareness through daily educational talks and also hosts dedicated species days throughout the year, to raise additional vital funds for conservation.

A spokesperson for the park said: "The cub has truly ‘given hope’ to the hearts of people across the world and it’s only right we open a vote to let everyone who wants to aid in the naming of the cub. 

"All funds raised will directly aid and support not only the cub but the wider conservation effort.”

Visit www.pwpark.com/news/miracle-red-panda-cub-who-stole-the-hearts-of-world-needs-a-name/ to vote.

You have up to November 20 to help aid in the naming of ‘Little Red’.