Meet Keisho & Khyana: Oakvale Wildlife Park’s New Red Panda Duo
There’s a special kind of excitement in the air at Oakvale Wildlife Park — and it’s all thanks to two very fluffy, very adorable new arrivals! We’re thrilled to officially welcome Keisho and Khyana, a brother-and-sister pair of Red Pandas, who have recently joined us from Taronga Zoo. Known for their soft reddish-brown fur, bushy ringed tails, and gentle nature, they are an endangered species that play an important role in global conservation programs.
Keisho and Khyana have settled beautifully into their new home here at Oakvale. Their custom-designed habitat provides plenty of space to climb, explore, nap, and enjoy life among the treetops — just the way Red Pandas love it. Our keepers have spent time getting to know their personalities, and early signs are clear: these two are already thriving.
Keisho – Confident & Curious
Keisho is the deeper, darker red of the two siblings and often looks like he’s wearing a slightly serious expression thanks to his darker eyebrows— sometimes even appearing a bit “grumpy,” which only adds to his charm. He’s confident, bold, and enjoys interacting with our keepers as he settles into life at Oakvale.
Khyana – Gentle & Golden
Khyana is slightly lighter in colour, sporting a beautiful golden sheen through her coat. She’s more reserved than her brother and less food-motivated, but her gentle nature makes her a delight to observe.
While Keisho heads for the highest vantage point, Khyana prefers the comforts of the air conditioning, especially on warm afternoons. Her favourite food is bamboo, and visitors can often watch her delicately foraging or enjoying a quiet snack in the shade.
Settling Into Oakvale Wildlife Park
Like many siblings, Keisho and Khyana share a charming love–hate dynamic. They can often be seen giving each other side-eye glances, playfully booping noses, or competing for the best piece of bamboo.
Despite the sass, they remain closely bonded and spend plenty of time exploring, climbing, and foraging together.
Since arriving, Keisho and Khyana have settled in incredibly well. Our team has been delighted to see them exhibit a wide range of natural behaviours, including climbing, foraging, and exploring every inch of their purpose-built exhibit — especially the ladders, which both pandas love!
“They’re really interesting animals and it’s been exciting to learn more about them and their behaviours – plus they’re super cute which is a big bonus.”
— Angus, Head Mammal Keeper
Plan Your Visit to Meet Them
You can find Keisho and Khyana in their brand-new enclosure located at Oakvale Wildlife Park, just past our Splash Bay water park, where they spend their days exploring branches, enjoying treats, and winning over every visitor who stops by.
Whether you’re a Newcastle local planning a family day out, visiting Nelson Bay, or simply love Red Pandas, this is your chance to see these incredible animals in person. We can’t wait for you to meet them! See what else is on at Oakvale to fill your day unforgettable experiences https://oakvalewildlife.com.au/explore/our-attractions
A big thank you to the Taronga Zoo team!
We’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support and collaboration from the Taronga team. It’s been a wonderful example of teamwork and passion coming together to give our Red Pandas the very best care.
