A female red panda has arrived at Chester Zoo for a “blind date” as part of conservation efforts to help save the endangered species.

Two-year-old Akashi has been chosen as the “perfect companion” for the zoo’s male panda, Koda, based on her age, health and genetics.

Footage shows Akashi exploring her new surroundings and coming face-to-face with Koda for the first time, with Dave White, team manager at the zoo stating that “initial signs have been incredibly positive”.

“Now they’re settling in, we’re hopeful that Koda and Akashi will form a strong bond and, in time, we might one day hear tiny squeaks of cubs coming from their den,” he said.