First look at brand new LEGO red panda

A brand new LEGO red panda is rumoured to be among this summer’s LEGO City line-up – and we’ve now got a first glimpse at the piece thanks to LEGO DREAMZzz.

LEGO City is said to be returning to the jungle this summer with a range of four different sets featuring a menagerie of different animals. Among those will apparently be the new LEGO red panda, which will also make an appearance in August’s 71481 Izzie’s Dream Creatures – the first images of which have just surfaced through German retailer JB Spielwaren.

The tiny (and super adorable) new piece looks to be dual-moulded as well as printed, making inspired use of the LEGO Group’s new-for-2024 reddish orange hue. It’s got a stud on its back to act as a connection point – to what end is up to you, but its presence is essential for communicating that LEGO DNA – and a big bushy tail, perfectly recreating the small mammal.

Native to southwestern China and the eastern Himalayas, the real-life red panda is an endangered species, and (despite its name) is not a close relation of the giant panda. Where black and white pandas are bears, the red panda is closer to a weasel, raccoon or skunk. You’ll find them in coniferous, temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, where they seek out areas with dense bamboo cover.

While the red panda was identified and named 40 years before the more commonly-known black and white panda (and attributed its ‘red’ prefix retroactively to distinguish it from its bigger brethren), this is still a relatively deep cut from the animal kingdom for the LEGO Group to tackle. But it’s also a sign of just how large and expansive the LEGO menagerie is in 2024.

Also said to be on the way in this summer’s jungle sets are a new tiger print, gorillas and more. You can refresh yourself with the latest reports on those rumours here. The LEGO City models are thought to be launching in June, which means – if that’s true – you’ll be able to get your hands on red pandas long before 71481 Izzie’s Dream Creatures hits shelves in August.

Head here for a closer look at all three newly-revealed LEGO DREAMZzz summer 2024 sets.

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