Tales from the B Side

Syracuse Zoo has new arrivals

If you get the chance you should stop up and see them.

Red Pandas are one of my favorite animals.  And after seeing them they may be one of yours also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=occw-8sSao4

Baby Red Pandas

Red panda parents, Cyril and Rose, welcomed a set of baby girls in the early hours of June 13.  They are the second and third cubs for the pair - sister Jaya was born July 4, 2007.

Inari (In-are-ee) was born first and weighed 84 grams; she is being raised off exhibit by her mother.  Her sister, Loki (Low-key), was born second and weighed considerably less.  As such, she is being hand raised by zookeepers in hopes that she will thrive under the watchful eye of her human caretakers.  Zoo guests may have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Loki while she is bottle fed in the zoo's veterinary clinic.

Red pandas are a light brown color at birth and their red coats will not fully develop until they are about three months old.  Their eyes will also remain closed for about another week, typically they do not open until 17 to 18 days after birth.  With each passing day their motor abilities will increase, though in the wild, cubs stay in the nest for about 90 days. 

Red pandas are listed as endangered and are part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) - a collaborative effort between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and zoos around the world to help ensure their survival.  They are challenged by habitat loss and unique dietary needs, as well as low birth rates in the wild.  While the hunting of red pandas is illegal, poaching continues.  In China, their tails and hides are used as good luck charms for wedding ceremonies.  The birth of red panda cubs illustrates the success of the Species Survival Plan and the conservation efforts at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo