Red Panda Cubs Thriving at Smithsonian's National Zoo

Two red panda (Ailurus fulgens) cubs born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on June 17 received a clean bill of health during their first veterinary exam yesterday. They appear to be very healthy, strong, active and have good vocalizations. Zoo Veterinarian Margarita Woc-Colburn performed a complete physical exam and administered their first set of vaccines. She confirmed both cubs are female and are gaining weight steadily, weighing-in at 374 grams (13 ounces) and 460 grams (one pound).

These cubs, which do not yet have names, are the first surviving offspring of three-year-old mother Shama and four-year-old father Tate. More than 100 cubs have been born at the Zoo and the Zoo’s Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va., since 1962. Zoo visitors will be able to see the cubs and their parents at the Asia Trail exhibit this fall.