Banham Zoo has welcomed its first ever baby red panda.

Eastern Daily Press: Banham Zoo's new Red Panda cub receiving its first vaccinations and initial health check from the zoo’s veterinary surgeon, and at this point its sex will be determined.Banham Zoo's new Red Panda cub receiving its first vaccinations and initial health check from the zoo’s veterinary surgeon, and at this point its sex will be determined. (Image: Archant)

The cub was born to its parents Raymundo and Maggie, but the keepers took a completely hands off approach for fear of disturbing Maggie during the critical early rearing stage.

Eastern Daily Press: The red panda that has arrived at Banham Zoo.The red panda that has arrived at Banham Zoo. (Image: Archant)

The couple have been together since Raymundo joined Maggie in 2011, and although the zoo had seen mating in 2012 and 2013, no infants were born.

Keepers managed to get a peek at the new arrival in August to confirm that mother and baby were well but afterwards maintained their hands off approach.

Mum and cub are still receiving the utmost privacy with staff only completing the essential cleaning and feeding tasks in the enclosure, but the cub will soon receive its first vaccinations and initial health check from the zoo's veterinary surgeon and at this point its sex will be determined.

Red pandas are native to China, India, Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal.