Panda twins among park baby boom

Twin red pandas are part of a record number of baby animals born this year at a south of Scotland wildlife centre.

The tiny creatures are among more than 15 newborns at the Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park near Kirkcudbright.

They include wallabies, Asian small-clawed otters and tree porcupine, with more arrivals anticipated later in the summer.

Park owner John Denerley said the red pandas - a male and a female who have yet to be named - were doing well.

He said all of the different babies appeared to be settling into their new surroundings.

"All our newcomers are enjoying the warm weather," said Mr Denerley.

"More babies are expected to be born in the next few weeks."

The new red pandas are a particularly welcome addition to the south west Scotland park's attractions.

Last year a mother panda and her cub escaped from the site.

Police launched an appeal for public help in tracing the animals.

The mother panda was eventually traced more than two months after she went missing but the cub has never been found.

The red panda twins are among a number of new arrivals at the park in Dumfries and Galloway. Picture by John Denerley.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/8138867.stm