Two male Red Panda cubs born at Chattanooga Zoo. Photo: Chattanooga Zoo
Two male Red Panda cubs were born at the Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee on July 10. It’s the Zoo’s first Red Panda birth. The cubs aren’t named yet.
First Red Panda breeding pair
Parents Wyatt and Maina were placed together as the first breeding pair in the history of the Chattanooga Zoo in 2012 through the Association of Zoo’s and Species Survival Plan (SSP).
The first offspring of parents Maina and Wyatt. Photo: Chattanooga Zoo
“Having seen firsthand last year the threats that Red Pandas face in the wild, I am very proud to play a part in their conservation through our work with the Species Survival Plan. The birth of two healthy, genetically diverse, Red Pandas is so exciting and I love watching what an excellent job Maina is doing in taking care of them,” states Betsy Eckermann, Red Panda Primary Keeper.
“Rewarding for our staff”
The Chattanooga Zoo is housing Red Pandas since 1998. “After caring for these animals, partnering with conservation organizations, building and adding to exhibits, studying this species and their behaviors, and working relentlessly, it is so rewarding for our staff to experience the miracle of birth and watch their hard work pay off. We are so excited to have another SSP birth success and we look forward to seeing these cubs grow!”, says Dardenelle Long, Zoo CEO and President.
The cubs are still very dependent on their mother’s milk, and will not be visible to the public for quite some time. Photo: Chattanooga Zoo
