Toronto Zoo's Red Panda Cub Now Has A Name

Toronto Zoo’s Red Panda Cub Now Has A Name

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 3, 2020 9:25 pm

The red panda cub receives a bottle at Toronto Zoo

Photo Credit: Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo have announced a name for their red panda cub born on July 14th 2020 following a public naming poll. After over 7,000 votes were cast in the poll #BabyRed has been named Adira.

Adira means strong and was selected in the public vote from a list of four preselected names. The three other name options were Ada, Apple or Kenna.

Mother Ila gave birth to Adira on July 14th. She was a twin but unfortunately the other cub passed away eight days after the birth. Zoo staff suspect that mom did not produce enough milk to feed both cubs and this led keepers to begin supplemental feedings of Adira.

These supplemental feeds take place while the cub remains with Ila allowing the pair to bond. The first few months will be critical in the survival of Adira but based on her progress keepers are cautiously optimistic she will survive.

The name of the red panda cub is announced

Photo Credit: Toronto Zoo

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This is the first cub for mom Ila and dad Suva. It is also the first red panda pregnancy at the Toronto Zoo since 1996. Ila and Suva were paired on the recommendation of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding program among accredited zoos.

The conservation status of red pandas was lifted to endangered in 2015 with as few as 2,500-10,00 red pandas estimated to remain in the wild. They face threats such as hunting and habitat loss.

Toronto Zoo support their survival both through captive breeding efforts and supporting field conservation through the red panda network.