Fota Wildlife Park needs your help naming a new baby red panda!

A new red panda baby born at Fota Wildlife Park, Co. Cork has finally emerged from its nesting box, and the Park are calling on members of the public to name the cub.

The baby, who is male, was born in late June to mom Bonnie and dad Pete.

This is Bonnie’s fifth cub and they are both doing well.

Speaking about the cub’s arrival at the park lead warden Kelly Lambe said “The birth of the Red Panda cub is important in terms of conservation, as this species is officially classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as endangered.”

Fota Wildlife park contributes to the care and breeding of many endangered species such as the Sumatran Tiger and the Asiatic Lion, Ms Lambe says.

“We are delighted to see this cub emerging from the nesting box, where he has been successfully cared for by his mom Bonnie over the past four months.”

Panda mother’s typically continue to look after their cubs for up to a year.

It is estimated that fewer than 2,500 mature Red Panda individuals remain in the wild.

Habitat fragmentation and destruction of bamboo forests are the biggest threats to their survival followed by hunting and competition from domestic livestock.

Members of the public who wish to suggest a name for the new cub can find full details on how to enter on the wildlife park’s website, www.fotawildlife.ie.

The winner of the best name will win a Park Membership to Fota Wildlife Park.

The closing date is Friday November 11.