Three Endangered Red Panda Cubs Born at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Two litters of red panda cubs were born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute last month within days of each other. Nutmeg, an experienced mom, gave birth to two cubs June 14. Moonlight, a first-time mom, gave birth to two cubs June 17, but one of the cubs died shortly after birth. Both litters of cubs opened their eyes July 9 and appear to be doing well. Nutmeg’s cubs weighed 367 grams and 234 grams at their last weigh-in. Moonlight’s cub topped the scales at 330 grams.

SCBI plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. SCBI spearheads research programs at its headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and at field research stations and training sites worldwide. SCBI scientists tackle some of today’s most complex conservation challenges by applying and sharing what they learn about animal behavior and reproduction, ecology, genetics, migration and conservation sustainability.

# # #

Related Species:

Image Gallery

Continue Exploring

March 20, 2025

Why I'm Tracking Bison Herds

Smithsonian ecologist Claire Bresnan encourages aspiring scientists to take a chance on themselves, and not succumb to "gloom and doom" in her Focus on the Future feature.

February 14, 2025

Wolves Born at Research Campus

Exciting news! A trio of maned wolf pups were born this winter at the Zoo's private conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia.

January 24, 2025

Quiz: Name the Asian Animals!

Camera traps are a valuable tool for wildlife researchers. Can you identify the animals from photos taken in Asia's mountain forests?