THE UK'S first highly anticipated red panda cottages are now open for bookings at West Midland Safari Park.

These new additions join an already UK first group of luxury lodges at the park that are amongst cheetah and elephant habitats.

The new exhibit, Red Panda Retreat, will also be open to guests inside the safari park from August, and will be the first time red panda have been housed at the park.

Red Panda Retreat has been designed to showcase the species’ natural behaviours, with stimulating environments such as climbing structures, nesting boxes and planted bamboo.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Lodge guests will have exclusive views of the red panda exhibit through vast windows.Lodge guests will have exclusive views of the red panda exhibit through vast windows.

The two cottages are nestled into the walk through discovery trail and have been refurbished into luxury accommodation with a Nepalese design influence.

Chris Kelly, managing director at the park said, “The reception we’ve received since the opening of our Safari Lodges back in April has been exceptional, so we are delighted to be able to extend this offering with the introduction of our new Red Panda Cottages.

“Not only will occupants enjoy new luxury overnight accommodation, but they will also be able to see this beautiful species in a stunning and unique environment. The integration of our new animal exhibit with the cottages is a further example of our commitment to constantly improving our animal habitats and the overall guest experience here at the Park.”

Each two storey cottage, which sleeps five people, has an open plan downstairs with lounge and dining spaces.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The cottages are the next phase of the park’s safari lodges accommodation which launched in 2021 with African elephant and cheetah lodges.The cottages are the next phase of the park’s safari lodges accommodation which launched in 2021 with African elephant and cheetah lodges.

A spiral staircase leads to two bedrooms, one with a super king another with three singles.

The double room also features a free-standing copper roll-top bath, for guests to relax and take in their tranquil surroundings.

Window seats are also featured in every bedroom, from which guests can have an amazing view of a red panda right outside their window and watch the endangered species lounge and play in their brand-new habitat.

Red pandas are endangered and can be found in the eastern Himalayas and Southwestern China.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Guests will be able to book their exclusive stays at the two luxury cottages from today, where they can have private views of the endangered red panda. Pic: Matthew LissimoreGuests will be able to book their exclusive stays at the two luxury cottages from today, where they can have private views of the endangered red panda. Pic: Matthew Lissimore

The wild population continues to decline due to habitat loss and poaching.

The park is hoping that this new exhibit can help raise awareness of the importance of helping to conserve this species and help preserve their numbers in the wild.

The standard package includes an overnight stay, two day admission ticket to the park and access to rides in the theme park, breakfast and dinner.

Each cottage will also offer free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee machine and mini bar, filled with local produce.

Guests can now book the Red Panda cottages via the park’s website, with dates from August 2 to December 3 available to choose from.

Prices are £850 per cottage, per night; and dates for 2022 stays will be released in Autumn 2021.

For further information on the Red Panda Cottages and details on how to book, visit the safari lodges website.