It's been a hard year for zoos, which are among the attractions closed down in the wake of the Covid crisis, but there is some good news for local animal-lovers.
Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian has announced it will soon be home to a rare red panda, an endangered species, which is sure to get visitors through the door after months of hardship.
A statement on social media from the West Calder zoo read: "We have some great news to share tonight after months of waiting and hoping we finally received confirmation today from South Lakes safari zoo that we are getting one male Red Panda, and hopefully we will get a mate for him in the future.
"We have now started the work on the enclosure which will look amazing when complete. We are targeting six weeks till completion but will do our best to make this happen sooner."
There are currently two red pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, named Bruce and Ginger, which in 2016 and 2017.
The zoo explains: "Red pandas share similarities with both the bear and racoon family. Their classification has caused controversy since they were first described in 1825, but today they are placed in their own separate family."
It's great news for the attraction, which previously revealed last year was facing an "uncertain" future after the coronavirus outbreak temporarily closed the site.
Five Sisters Zoo warned it is now entering a "critical period" with essential overheads - not including wages - totalling a whopping £35,000 a month.
In a desperate attempt to raise funds to continue to care for the animals, the zoo, which is home to over 196 species of mammals birds and reptiles, had been selling plants and education or adoption packs.
A much-loved rescue bear from the Five Sisters Zoo also died in 2020 due to a brain tumour. Suzy, a rescued circus animal, was put to sleep after vets discovered a malignant tumour a few weeks ago.
