Twin Red Panda cubs have died in freezing weather after their mum stopped feeding them. Tala and Sumi were born in the summer at Longleat Safari park in Trowbridge, Wiltshire but found dead in their nesting box on Thursday.
Initial checks show the pair had suffered from hypothermia. There were also issues with weaning after mother, Emma, stopped offering supportive feeds.
The news was posted on the park's Facebook page where they wrote: "We are incredibly sad to share some recent news from the park with you. Devastatingly, our twin Red Panda cubs, Tala and Sumi, have passed away.
"They were found deceased in their nesting box yesterday, with initial veterinary investigations pointing towards hypothermia and the weaning process, with mum Emma no longer offering supportive feeds as the most likely reason.
"Although it has been very cold onsite, temperatures in the wild for these animals would go down to -15 degrees Celsius. We’ve provided an increase in diet, shelter and bedding, however the cubs were mostly still dependant on their mum.
"Unfortunately these animals have a very high mortality rate – only approximately 1 in 5 cubs survive to adulthood in the wild. The pair were born to parents, Emma and Lionel, this summer as part of a breeding programme for the endangered species and have been closely monitored and looked after by our dedicated team.
"We know so many of you have loved seeing these beautiful creatures for yourselves and will share our sadness in having to say goodbye to them. Thank you for your understanding at this time, especially for our keepers who formed such a special bond with them both."
Many visitors to the park told of their pleasure at seeing the pair along with their devastation over their deaths. Myfanw Jones posted: "Absolutely devastating news... Sending all my love to the keepers at Longleat"
Rebecca Irvine wrote: "So sorry to hear this. What awful news to read. The keepers who work with them must be especially devastated. Our thoughts are with them and everyone at the park. x" And Ami Smith added: "This is so incredibly sad . They were beautiful to watch when we visited two weeks ago xxx rip Tala and Sumi xx"
