Dudley Zoo, located in the West Midlands of England, is home to two red pandas, Carko and Ember. These endangered creatures are part of the European Endangered Species breeding Programme (EEP), which aims to conserve a healthy population of animals in captivity. Visitors can learn about the red pandas, adopt them, and explore the zoo’s other attractions.
Introducing Carko and Ember
Carko, an 11-month-old male, recently arrived at Dudley Zoo from Sweden, joining Ember, a one-year-old female who came to the zoo the previous summer. The two red pandas have already formed a bond and are settling in well at their new home.
Carko’s Arrival
Carko’s arrival at Dudley Zoo is an exciting addition to the zoo’s red panda population. As a young male, he will play a crucial role in the EEP’s efforts to conserve this endangered species. Visitors can observe Carko as he explores his new habitat and interacts with Ember.
Ember’s Story
Ember, the female red panda, has been a resident of Dudley Zoo for over a year. She has quickly become a favorite among visitors, who are captivated by her playful and curious nature. Ember’s presence at the zoo helps to raise awareness about the plight of red pandas in the wild.
Adopting a Red Panda
Visitors to Dudley Zoo can support the conservation efforts by adopting either Carko or Ember through the zoo’s adoption program. The adoption packages offer various perks, including admission tickets, personalized messages, animal factsheets, and subscriptions to the ZooNooz newsletter.
Adoption Packages
Dudley Zoo offers two adoption packages for the red pandas:
| Package | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gold | £55.00 |
| Silver | £41.50 |
Both packages provide an opportunity for visitors to contribute to the zoo’s conservation work and connect with the red pandas on a more personal level.
Visiting Dudley Zoo
Dudley Zoo is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last admission at 4:00 pm. Visitors can explore the zoo’s various exhibits and attractions, including the red panda enclosure.
Admission Fees
The admission fees for Dudley Zoo are as follows:
- Adults: £19.50
- Children (3-15 years): £14.50
- Concessions: £17.00
Getting to Dudley Zoo
Visitors can reach Dudley Zoo by car, with on-site parking available for £4.00 per day. Alternatively, the zoo is accessible by public transportation, with bus and train services available nearby.
Conclusion
Dudley Zoo’s red panda experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and support the conservation of these endangered animals. By adopting Carko or Ember, visitors can contribute to the EEP’s efforts and connect with the red pandas on a personal level. Whether you’re a zoo enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, Dudley Zoo’s red panda exhibit is a must-visit destination.
References:
– Express & Star: Dudley Zoo Welcomes Rare Red Panda
– Reddit: Ember is Most Popular Adoption at Dudley Zoo
– Dudley Zoo: Carko the Red Panda
– Dudley Zoo: Ember the Red Panda
– Dudley Zoo: Red Panda