There’s nothing like the first snowfall of the season, especially around this time of year. Going out and seeing that the world has transformed into a winter wonderland brings joy to so many people.
And it turns out animals have that same sense of wonder. That’s what one video shows, as one famous red panda is overjoyed after seeing snow for the first time.
Hertfordshire, England got its first snowfall of the season this weekend, covering the area in about six inches of snow. That included Paradise Wildlife Park, much to the delight of their animals.
For red panda cub Tashi, who was born just five months ago, it was the first time they had ever laid eyes on snow — and the cub was thrilled.
Video captured the joyous first moments Tashi stepped out to play in the snow with its mother, Tilly. Just like a child on a snow day, the little animal runs around and leaps into piles of snow.
“Tashi… was even seen doing their signature rolly pollies amongst the snow fall and nimbly climbing around their snowy habitat,” the zoo wrote in a press release.
The zoo said that red pandas are native to the Eastern Himalayas, so the snow on the ground made the environment even closer to their natural habitat.
Plus, red pandas are naturally bundled up, so there’s no need to worry about the cold.
“It’s great to see Tashi experiencing their first snowfall and with their double layer of fur we can ensure you Tashi is still extra toasty in the snow,” a spokesperson for the park said.
Watch the video below:
This isn’t the first time little Tashi has gone viral: this is the same “miracle cub” who made headlines a few months ago.
It was a miracle because mom Tilly gave birth to the cub a month after her partner, Nam Pang, died in June. Park employees didn’t realize Tilly was pregnant, giving them a surprising bit of hopeful news after the male panda’s death.
It was especially miraculous because Tilly and Nam Pang had spend four years struggling to conceive. Red pandas are an endangered species, and they were paired as mates as part of a repopulation program.
The park called the newborn a “miraculous, beautiful and healthy cub.” The sex of the child is not yet known; it was originally known as “Little Red” before being renamed “Tashi” after a fan vote.
“This cub has become a symbol of hope, after the tragic passing of Nam Pang, for his memory and legacy to live on, is more than we ever expected,” said Aaron Whitnall, star of CBBC show One Zoo Three.
Ever since Tashi’s news-making birth, it has become a favorite among zoo visitors, and is known for their “increasingly cheeky personality.”
It’s great to see Tashi is doing so well and enjoying its first-ever snowfall! ❄️
Please share this adorable story! ❤️
