Red Panda Cubs Born at Potter Park Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: July 14, 2021 1:00 am

One of the red panda cubs is held by a keeper at the Potter Park Zoo

Photo Credit: Potter Park Zoo

Potter Park Zoo had an extra reason to celebrate on Independence Day this year as two red panda cubs were born to mother Maliha. The twins were born in the early hours of the morning.

At present the new family have been resting in an off-exhibit area where they can be monitored through a camera mounted there. Veterinary staff have also been able to conduct weight and wellness checks on the cubs as they grow.

“It’s a special privilege to welcome red panda cubs, and we are all thrilled,” said Liz Jagenow, Maliha’s primary trainer. “Maliha has proven to be an attentive mother and we are confident the cubs are in good hands”.

A keeper at the Potter Park Zoo weighs one of the two red panda cubs which was born to mother Mahalia on July 4th 2021

Photo Credit: Potter Park Zoo

The father of the cubs is Deagan-Reid who arrived from Zoo Knoxville earlier in the year. The two quickly became friendly and welcomed their cubs.

This is the second litter for Maliha with the other being born in 2016.

Maliha and Deagan-Reid were recommended to breed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for red pandas, which matches animals carefully by genetic profile.

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Currently 220 red pandas are housed in AZA institutions across the country.

“Maliha and the cubs are part of a much larger picture,” said Zoo Director Cindy Wagner. “Potter Park and other AZA accredited zoos work in close cooperation to maintain a healthy red panda lineage, and these births are the result of careful planning and preparation”.

Red panda cubs are born deaf and blind. They are small enough to fit in the hand of an adult. Two weeks later they open their eyes. A month later they leave the nest.

At present Maliha and her cubs are remaining behind the scenes where they can bond. Father Deagan-Reid will remain outside for guests to visit.