CRITICALLY endangered red pandas can be seen at Longleat Safari Park this Christmas as the Wiltshire tourist attraction launches the sale of tickets for this year’s Festival of Light.

The park’s red panda Emma was given a special bamboo bouquet to celebrate Longleat launching its 10th spectacular lantern trail from November 9 to January 5 2025.

Emma her partner Lionel and their cubs, are important members of the European Endangered Species Programme for the red panda due to their diverse genetics.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Emma the Red Panda at Longleat helps to launch its ticket sales for this year's Festival of Light.

Keeper Samantha Peeke said: “We regularly give the pandas enrichment and as around two-thirds of their food intake is made up of bamboo, we created a special bouquet to mark the launch of our Christmas celebrations 2024 – and they loved it.”

The Festival of Light 2024 invites visitors to turn back the clock and travel the world creating magical memories by stepping into the past with the interactive and immersive lantern trail.

It will showcase the evolution of the earth from the age of the dinosaurs to the present day celebrating Longleat opening its doors 75 years ago.

Tickets are on sale now at www.longleat.co.uk

Video footage of the Festival of Lights is available on YouTube