The Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Nebraska recently welcomed the arrival of triplet red pandas. The adorable baby animals, two males and one female, were born in August to mom Tián and dad Rowan. The zoo has yet to announce the names of the cubs.
According to Ruth Marcec-Greaves, the General Curator at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, while it is not uncommon for red pandas to give birth to triplets, successfully raising all three cubs is quite rare. Tián, an experienced mother, has been doing a great job caring for her babies. The zookeepers have been able to monitor the cubs’ growth and well-being with minimal disturbance, thanks to the trust and exceptional care provided by the team.
To create a comfortable environment for the red panda family, the zookeepers set up six nest boxes filled with bamboo and wood wool, mimicking the natural nesting materials that female red pandas use in the wild. This setup allows Tián to choose the most suitable box for her cubs and move them around as needed for their safety and well-being.
Currently, the cubs are in the stage of learning how to climb and are starting to explore outside of their nest boxes. Red pandas are classified as an endangered species, with their population declining by 50% in the last two decades. The birth of these triplets is significant for conservation efforts, as it raises awareness about the challenges red pandas face in the wild, such as habitat loss.
Evan Killeen, the CEO of the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, emphasized the importance of these cubs in supporting animal conservation initiatives. The zoo’s red pandas play a crucial role in educating the public about the threats faced by their counterparts in the wild.
Visitors can look forward to seeing Tián and her cubs on exhibit starting in December. It’s a great opportunity to witness these adorable creatures up close and learn more about red panda conservation. Don’t miss out on this exciting experience at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
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