Detroit Zoo's Red Panda Cub Meets the Public for the First Time

Detroit Zoo’s Red Panda Cub Meets the Public for the First Time

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 21, 2020 12:13 pm

Scarlet the red panda cub goes on exhibit for the first time

Photo Credit: Detroit Zoo/ Patti Truesdell

A red panda cub known as Scarlet at the Detroit Zoo in the United States has enjoyed her first day on display to the public. Visitors have been eagerly awaiting their chance to view the cub since her birth in July.

Scarlet is the 25th red panda which has been born at the Detroit Zoo since 1999.

She was given the chance to explore the Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest with mother, Ash.

Scarlet explores the red panda exhibit with her mother, Ash

Photo Credit: Detroit Zoo/ Patti Truesdell

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“It’s really exciting to see Scarlet learn from Ash how to be a red panda. This involves a lot of dramatic tree climbing maneuvers,” said Scott Carter, chief life sciences officer for the Detroit Zoological Society.

“Ash is doing so well with Scarlet; she is very attentive and always waits for her to follow,” said Carter.

In the Holtzman wildlife foundation red panda exhibit mom and cub will have over 14,000sqft (1300sqm) of space to explore. It includes a flowing stream, waterfall, plenty of climbing opportunities and a misting area which cools them in winter.

Red pandas are listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. Estimates suggest that as few as 10,000 red pandas may remain in the wild. Their numbers have been falling due to habitat loss, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.