Dublin Zoo has opened its newest habitat –’The Himalayan Hills’ for Red Pandas and Snow Leopards. Inspired by the natural habitat of Red Pandas and Snow Leopards in the wild, the Himalayan mountain range, the new area will reflect the look and feel of a Nepalese Village. With its colorful roofs and prayer flags, visitors will enjoy an immersive experience as part of the themed eco-region.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar inaugurated the Himalayan Hills habitat during a ceremony at Dublin Zoo.
Launching the new habitat, the Tánaiste said, “This is a brilliant new facility at Dublin Zoo, visitors and families will love it. I got to see work underway on the new red panda habitat last year when the Government announced €2m in special funding for the Zoo, following some difficult years for the zoo in the pandemic. It’s great to be back to see the finished project, especially with its strong focus on conservation, both in the Zoo and in the red panda’s natural habitat in Asia.”
“The red panda and snow leopard habitats are a fantastic addition to existing habitats including the African Savanna, Sea Lion Cove and the Wolves in the Woods. Dublin Zoo had a place deep in my heart as a child. The children of today and the future will have even more to see when they come here.” Leo Varadkar added.
Red pandas are listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Native to high-altitude bamboo forests in the Himalayas, one of their main threats in the wild is habitat loss.
Snow Leopard, known for their beautiful silver, white and black fur and green eyes, is also listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In the wild, they face threats of poaching and habitat loss.
There was a €3 million investment in the Himalayan Hills habitat, with approximately half of that amount being funded by the Government through the OPW under the remit of Minister Patrick O’Donovan.