2 Rare Red Pandas Born at Montana Zoo — Here’s When the Public Will Be Able to See Them

Two Rare Red Pandas Born at Montana Zoo: Photo

ZooMontana in Billings, Montana, is celebrating the birth of two rare red panda cubs, as announced at the zoo’s annual fundraiser on August 1st. The adorable cubs were born on June 25th and are currently six weeks old. They are starting to open their eyes and develop their iconic red and black coats. The public will have the opportunity to view these precious cubs once they reach three months of age.

The zoo shared the exciting news on their Instagram account following their fundraiser event. The post revealed that the proud parents, Pabu and Pavitra, welcomed their first offspring, much to the delight of staff and visitors. Red pandas are known for being born blind and rely on high-pitched whistling sounds to communicate with their mothers until their eyesight fully develops.

The two cubs will remain in their den under the watchful eye of Pavitra until they are around three months old, at which point they may be introduced to the public for viewing. The zoo staff will continue to provide updates on the cubs’ progress as they grow and explore their surroundings. Pictures shared on social media show the tiny cubs being cradled by caretakers, with a snapshot of the proud parents included.

Pabu, a five-year-old red panda, originally from the Oregon Zoo, moved to ZooMontana in 2021 with his mother, Mei Mei. He has quickly become a favourite among visitors, earning nicknames such as “The Prince of Pounce” and “Prince of Rascality.” Joining him is two-year-old Pavitra, who arrived from the San Diego Zoo in 2024 to be Pabu’s companion. Her spirited personality and love for climbing make her a great match for Pabu.

Tragically, the zoo recently had to say goodbye to another red panda, Duli, who had to be euthanized due to age-related complications just days after his 14th birthday. This loss serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to preserve endangered species like red pandas. With fewer than 10,000 red pandas left in the wild, these adorable creatures continue to face threats from poaching and habitat destruction.

ZooMontana’s successful breeding programme is a significant step towards raising awareness about the conservation of red pandas and their natural habitats. The birth of these two cubs signifies hope for the future of this endangered species and provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about these fascinating animals. As the cubs grow and develop, visitors will have the chance to witness their playful antics and unique characteristics up close.

In a world where wildlife conservation is paramount, initiatives like the one at ZooMontana play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable species like red pandas. By educating the public and engaging in breeding programmes, zoos contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the continuation of essential conservation efforts. The arrival of these two red panda cubs is not just a cause for celebration at the zoo but also a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our planet’s diverse and endangered wildlife.