These two red panda twins are absolutely adorable. Auckland Zoo in New Zealand has welcomed two rare, Napalese red pandas to their attraction.
The two cubs, who were born on January 3rd weighed approximately 100grams. They’re the second and third offspring of Bo (4), and Sagar (13). The pair produced their first baby Pabu, just over a year ago.
“These births are fantastic news, both for Australasia and for the wider Global Species Management Plan through which red panda are managed” says acting Carnivore team leader, Lauren Booth.
“We’re absolutely delighted Bo has had two healthy cubs and that she’s proving once again, to be such a confident and attentive mother.
“Following Pabu’s birth, we’ve learnt to read Bo’s behaviour well so can gauge the best time to check on and weigh the cubs to track their progress, but otherwise remain hands-off.
“They have now opened their eyes and are moving about in the nest box a little more, and will sometimes ‘huff’ at us. Their weights have shot up to 403 grams and 423 grams respectively – above average, so we know they’re getting plenty to eat, but they still have a lot more growing to do!”
Here are the baby cubs, cuddled up at home (be warned, they’re ridiculously cute):
The two new twins will be relocated to contribute to the international breeding program, following in the footsteps of their brother Pabu, who is to move home within the next six months.
“As zoos we work together to ensure genetic diversity is achieved for insurance populations like the red panda – which is vital, but it is an insurance policy, not a solution” said Booth.
“Increasingly, we’re part of conservation efforts in the wild. Auckland Zoo continues to grow its support of Red Panda Network, whose outstanding community education and forest guardianship programmes in eastern Nepal (key red panda territory) are playing a vital role in helping protect this species that’s threatened by habitat loss and poaching.”
