Glorious news, and photos, from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“The cubs are really just balls of fur that eat and sleep right now.” —Jessica Kordell, assistant curator of carnivores
Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian National Zoo’s Front Royal, Virginia, conservation campus are celebrating the births of three red panda cubs, born this summer!
Three-year-old female Sequoia and 12-year-old male Mow Mow welcomed two healthy cubs on May 29, one male and one female. Then, on June 11, 3-year-old female Keahi gave birth to a single female cub, sired by 7-year-old male Rocket. To reduce stress on the mothers, or dams, keepers are closely monitoring the families via nest-box cameras. Male red pandas do not provide care to their offspring.
These are the second litters born to each couple, although both males have previously sired cubs with other females. Last year, Sequoia and Mow Mow produced two cubs, although neither survived. Keahi and Rocket produced one cub last year, a female named Kuna. Red panda cubs generally have low survival rates, so keeper staff take extra precautions to care for the expecting mothers and cubs.
“Having both dams being relatively inexperienced moms, we knew going into it there could be challenges,” said Jessica Kordell, assistant curator of carnivores. “This year, we moved the pandas into their air-conditioned, indoor spaces before we had too many hot days. Keeping their natural behaviors in mind, we also elevated the nest boxes off the ground, in hopes of reducing stress on the dams.”
The families will remain in Front Royal, which is closed to the public. Hoping to see a red panda? Visit the Zoo’s adult female, Asa, on Asia Trail.”