Red panda cub being weighed June 19. (Jessica Kordell/Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute)
From the Smithsonian National Zoo:
“Moonlight, a 4-year-old red panda, gave birth to a cub overnight June 12 at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. Moonlight and the cub appear to be doing well and keepers are cautiously optimistic that the cub will continue to grow. The new mom has been very attentive to the cub, only leaving the nest box where it was born for very short periods of time to eat and drink. Keepers have been monitoring the pair via a closed-circuit camera in the nest box and they have seen Moonlight, an experienced mom, grooming and nursing the cub.
When Moonlight left the nest box June 19, keepers took the opportunity to perform a quick visual exam and weigh the cub. It weighed in at 6 ounces (172 grams), which is normal for a newborn. Keepers and veterinarians will continue to monitor the pair closely during the next several weeks, which are the most critical for a newborn cub. Read More
Photo Credit: Janice Sveda, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Who are Shredder, Clinger, and Slash? 80s hair band? Nope. Rusty the red panda’s 7-month-old cubs! When the trio of brothers were just shy of two months old, keepers stepped in to raise them. Thanks to the efforts of animal care staff, they’re growing and gaining independence! See photos and read more.
Want red pandas to return to the National Zoo? Learn how you can help.”
Photo via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
“Red panda cuddle starring siblings Henry + Tink. Happy #NationalHugDay!”
And apparently today was national hug day…
Photo Credit Janice Sveda Smithsonians National Zoo
Red Pandas in beloved in PoPville. If you are so inclined – from Friends of the National Zoo:
“At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, we strive to further scientific research to benefit species in the wild and provide the best quality of life for the animals in our care. But we can’t do it without you!
As a result, we have an urgent need to raise $150,000 to create a comfortable, temperature-controlled indoor retreat complete with branches for climbing and multi-level platforms for playing and sleeping for our red pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Your gift will help build this much needed facility for red pandas on Asia Trail. The success of this project will allow keeper staff to better manage the red pandas in our care so that we can continue our important conservation research. Will you join our efforts to save species and improve your Zoo by giving to the Red Panda Retreat Annual Appeal?”
Donate here.
