(CBS-DETROIT) – Two red pandas now call the Detroit Zoo their home after being born there last week, officials said.
Ravi, a 7-year-old red panda, and Ginger, a 3-year-old red panda, who became a first-time mother, welcomed the cubs on June 17.
Zoo officials say the cubs appear healthy and vigorous, and Ginger has been an attentive mother so far. This is important because red pandas are vulnerable during the first months of their lives and are really dependent on their mother.
“For the next two to three months, Ginger will care for the cubs in a nest box that will provide her with a secluded, quiet space to care for her cubs,” zoo officials said.
During this time, the pedestrian rope bridge over the habitat will be closed to reduce potential stress on the red pandas.
Zoo officials will reopen the bridge when they think the cubs are ready.
Until then, visitors can still see Ravi on the east side of Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest.
“We hope that Ginger and Ravi’s cubs will grow into strong, healthy ambassadors for their wild counterparts, raising awareness about the conservation needs of the red panda,” zoo officials said.
