There’s double cause for celebration at Whipsnade Zoo, where two tiny red panda cubs have been welcomed into the world — bringing an important boost for one of the planet’s endangered species.
The twins were born overnight on 16 July to five-year-old mum Ruby and six-year-old dad Nilo. At birth, each cub weighed around just 90 grams — roughly the weight of a banana. Since then, the youngsters have been growing bigger and stronger under Ruby’s care and the watchful eyes of the zoo’s keepers and veterinary team.
Tiny Cubs, Big Milestones
The youngsters began life looking rather different from the distinctive red pandas we recognise. Their soft ginger fur will gradually develop into the beautiful russet colouring of their parents as they grow.
Their eyes will open as they develop, and at around three months old they are expected to begin taking their first tentative steps outside the safety of their nest box. The zoo plans to determine their sexes during their first veterinary health check, at around ten weeks old, with names for the pair to follow.
Ruby, meanwhile, appears to have taken motherhood firmly in her stride, with Whipsnade’s team reporting that she has been doing a brilliant job looking after her new arrivals.
Small Animals With Big Importance
Cute as they undoubtedly are, the arrival of these twins represents something much bigger.
Red pandas are classified as Endangered, with wild populations declining across their native forests in the Himalayas and south-western China. Habitat loss, declining bamboo supplies and poaching are among the pressures facing the species.
Ruby, Nilo and their growing family are part of a European conservation breeding programme designed to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population of red pandas in zoos, alongside conservation work to protect the animals and their natural habitats in the wild.
For two animals that started life weighing little more than a banana each, these youngsters already represent a rather sizeable helping of hope.
And frankly, two baby red pandas cuddled up together is exactly the sort of Double Trouble we can get behind. ❤️
Add comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.