LANSING, Mich. – A red panda at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing gave birth to a cub in late July.
This is the panda’s second successful litter. Animal care staff monitor the mom, Maliha, and her cub daily through a camera in a nest box where they both rest.
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“Maliha is doing great, she’s an experienced mother and has been excellent with the newborn,” said Annie Marcum, carnivore area lead keeper. “The cub is actively nursing and growing at a healthy rate”.
The zoo said it’s a big win for conservation of the endangered species.
The father, Deagan-Reid, arrived from the Knoxville Zoo in 2021. He was paired with Maliha by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA’s) red panda Species Survival Program.
There are fewer than 205 red pandas in AZA institutions.
“We’re fortunate to have another successful red panda birth. Having two successful litters back-to-back is a testament to the hard work, planning, and teamwork at the zoo,” said Animal Care Supervisor Pat Fountain. “Introducing another red panda cub to the SSP is crucial for the species moving forward, we’re glad to be a part of the solution”.
Red pandas are born deaf, blind and small enough to fit in the palm of yourhand.
It takes more than two weeks for cubs to open their eyes. After two months they start to leave the nest.
Maliha and the cub will be off exhibit for now.
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