21/02/2026
Neo the Red Panda - Longleat's latest arrival!
We couldn’t resist letting guests past, present and future know about Longleat’s latest arrival – Neo the Red Panda. The work that Longleat do in protecting rare animals like these is often overlooked, and we think this aspect of their work – which in and of itself is ample justification for supporting Longleat – should be celebrated. Longleat is a fantastic, unforgettable family day out, but there is so much more to it than that.
The following is an extract from Longleat’s press release/customer information:
‘Meet Neo, our new red panda who is shining a light on this endangered species. The playful two-year-old male is being introduced to Maya in one of our two red panda habitats.
Neo’s arrival is part of the international breeding programme and while it is hoped it will lead to a baby boom, keepers may have a year to wait.
Keeper Samantha Peeke explains that red pandas are only fertile for one day a year, and with the breeding season ending at the end of January, it could be some time before we hear the patter of tiny paws. She adds that Neo is settling in well and has been exploring his surroundings with curiosity since his arrival, with introductions to Maya happening over the coming days.
Commonly found in Nepal, Neo’s full name, Neora, in Nepalese means shining light while Maya means love. The red panda is an endangered species with less than 10,000 and potentially as few as 2,500 in their natural habitat. There has been a global population decline of 50 per cent in 20 years.
See if you can spot Neo this weekend in the panda house near the Lorikeets in Animal Adventure. Koda, who previously lived with Maya, is now living with Emma near Jungle Cruise, following the loss of Lionel last year’
Visit Neo on your next visit to Riverside Cottage Holidays. Remember too that Longleat generously offer our guests a 20% discount on their day tickets. Just ask for details when booking your cottage. You won’t simply be building great family memories, but you’ll be helping save endangered species and save money into the bargain.
We hope to see you soon.
www.riversidecottage-holidays.co.uk
