The waiting period for baby pandas is very long and can last up to 7 years. In Herberstein, Reinhard Pichler, the zoo director and veterinarian, succeeded in convincing the breeding coordinator of the perfect and species-appropriate living conditions at Herberstein.

“The animals are assigned by the coordinator, who keeps precise records on each animal. Our female panda comes from a Polish zoo, and the male from a French one. Nothing is left to chance when it comes to selecting mates; the process follows strict criteria,” confirms Reinhard Pichler.

The red panda is often referred to as a “cat bear.” This cute, fox-sized cat bear—resembling a raccoon in appearance but slimmer—is one of the prettiest mammals of all and ranks among the most popular zoo animals (according to a 2012 visitor survey at Schönbrunn Zoo). A pair of pandas now also lives at “ Tierwelt Herberstein ” in eastern Styria.

Doris Wolkner-Steinberger, director of Tierwelt, is delighted not only by the new attraction but also by the fact that the new enclosure was financed and built using the organization’s own funds. “I’d like to thank our dedicated team, which built a new home for our bears in no time at all. After all, there were only six weeks between the allocation and the arrival of the animals.”

Now the team in Herberstein is hoping that the pandas will take a liking to each other. Then we might see some cubs as early as next summer! And that would be the next sensation!