People can bid for the right to select a winner from a shortlist of names.

Kathy O’Neill, from the Zoo, said: "I think there will be a lot of interest, as red pandas are incredibly beautiful animals. This is a first for Paignton Zoo.

"We are always looking for new and fun ways of raising money for the charity. We will supply a certificate, so it would make a wonderful Christmas gift for an animal lover."

The keepers have drawn up a list of names, including Renshu, Rui, Radu, Rafael, Raja, Ramdas, Ramesh, Ramiro, Randolph, Ravi, Remon, Ruben, Rufus and Renzo. The cub was born in the summer and can now be seen out and about in the enclosure.

The Paignton Zoo eBay page is http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/zoofundraiser543. Along with the right to choose the name, the winning bidder will receive a red panda adoption and a cuddly red panda toy.