Red panda cubs in back-of-house denning space
The three newest members of the Calgary Zoo/Wilder Institute were announced today. Three Red Panda cubs were born last month on June 8th, and while the cubs have not been sexed, they have been cared for by their mother and the Animal Care, Health and Welfare Team.
Red Panda’s can prove challenging to breed in captivity, with false pregnancies and hormones a major factor. They are also officially an “Endangered” species, due to some of the issues and pressures they face regarding healthy habitats in the wild, so the birth of new cubs reflects positive movement for the animals future.
“Three red panda cubs is a really exciting moment for our team,” said Patrick Thompson, Animal Care Manager (Asia/South America) at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo. “Udaya is an experienced, attentive mother. It’s been great to see her caring for and bonding with her cubs. She knows exactly what to do, and all of them are doing well, although it is still early days.”
The mother, Udaya has had two other successful litters in the past, one litter in 2022 and another in 2023.
Guests at the zoo will not be able to see the new cubs for a bit, but will be able to visit their older brothers Anshu and Linus when the Asia Highlands area opens later this month.
Thompson also said “Their new home in Asian Highlands has been designed to reflect how red pandas naturally live in the wild, with complex climbing structures, elevated pathways, and a more natural forested environment,” said Thompson. “Features like overhead transfer logs will allow them to move through different areas of their habitat in ways that align with their arboreal behaviour. We’re looking forward to seeing Linus and Anshu explore these spaces when the habitat opens, and introducing Udaya and the cubs when they are ready for that next step.”
We got to speak with Patrick Thompson, Animal Care Manager about the exciting news, and where the team goes from here.
We asked about supports new animal moms get from the Animal Care team.
We also asked about the endangered status for red pandas and some of the causes.
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