Whipsnade zoo welcome baby red panda twins
They weighed less than a handful of jelly beans each when they were born
Whipsnade Zoo has announced the delightful arrival of twin Red Panda cubs, born on June 25th, as part of a vital European breeding program for the endangered species.
The newborn cubs, each weighing a mere 113g at birth (approximately the weight of a banana), have been nestled cozily inside a straw-filled nest box, expertly cared for by their first-time parents, Ruby and Nilo.
The little ones are not only a joy to the zookeepers but also play a crucial role in preserving the genetic diversity and survival of their species.
Red pandas, scientifically known as Ailurus fulgens, are currently classified as endangered, facing threats from habitat loss, human interference, and poaching. Therefore, the birth of these twins offers a glimmer of hope for the conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding these adorable creatures.
According to Tessa Knox, the Red Panda Keeper at Whipsnade Zoo, the cubs are now about six weeks old and are thriving under the devoted care of their mother, Ruby. Red panda cubs are born blind, and their eyes typically start opening around three weeks of age. At this stage, they are heavily reliant on their mothers for sustenance, and Ruby diligently provides them with her milk as their sole food source. This nutritional support will continue until they are around five months old, at which point they will start to transition to bamboo as part of their diet.
The cubs' size and appearance set them apart from their parents. They are grey and woolly, nearly fitting into the palm of one's hand. As they grow, they will gradually develop the distinctive red fur that gives them their name and captures the hearts of animal enthusiasts worldwide.
Grant Timberlake, another zookeeper at Whipsnade Zoo, shared insights into the behaviors of these secretive creatures.
"Red pandas are known for their shy and nocturnal nature, and they prefer to spend most of their time up in trees".
As a result, visitors may need to exercise patience to catch a glimpse of these endearing cubs as they remain snuggled up inside their nest for the first couple of months of their lives.
The cubs are yet to be named and will receive their first veterinary check when they reach eight weeks of age. This examination will also determine their gender. Regardless of their sex, the twins have significant importance on an international level as they contribute to the preservation of the red panda population.
Whipsnade Zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts not only within its premises but also on an international scale. The zoo's parent organization, ZSL (Zoological Society of London), is dedicated to protecting wildlife and habitats, and they are making strides in the Terai Arc Landscape, encompassing regions in Nepal and India.