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A "special" pair of rare red pandas have been born as part of an international breeding programme for the endangered species.

The twin males were born in the summer at Longleat Safari Park and handlers said they were developing well.

Keepers said this was down to their parents, who are important to the European Endangered Species Programme due to their diverse genetics.

Keeper Samantha Peeke said it was "an incredible thing to be part of".

"As the cubs grow, they will go on to join the endangered species breeding programme and help ensure the survival of their species," she said.

"Whilst they are young, they spend most of their time inside one of the nest boxes in the enclosure, where [their mother] Emma feeds and cleans them.