Red Panda Triplets born at the Zoo
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is excited to announce the birth of triplet red pandas, an endangered species. The two male and one female red panda cubs were born at Lincoln Children’s Zoo on August 10, 2024, to third-time mom, Tián, and second-time dad, Rowan. Names for each cub have not been decided yet and will be announced later.
“Birthing triplet red panda cubs does happen, but a mom being able to raise triplets successfully is rare. Tián is an experienced and attentive mom, and keepers are able to check in and weigh the cubs as needed with minimal stress, a testament to the trust built and exceptional care our team provides,” said Ruth Marcec-Greaves, Lincoln Children’s Zoo General Curator.
After giving birth, in the wild female red pandas will use tree hollows or rock crevices lined with plant material for nests. To replicate this, Zookeepers at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo created six nest boxes behind the scenes with bamboo and wood wool inside as nesting material. The multiple nest boxes allow Tián to choose which box she wants them in. Red panda moms will move their cubs around to keep them away from predators or when there are environmental stressors. Mothers will spend almost all their time in the nest box with the cubs for a few months. At three months old, the cubs are currently learning how to climb and venturing out of the nest boxes for short periods of time. The Zoo estimates that it will be another month or so until the triplet cubs are out on exhibit.
“Red pandas are an endangered species whose population has declined by 50 percent over the last 20 years. The birth of these triplets is important for animal conservation efforts, and the red pandas at the Zoo help to raise awareness of the threats their counterparts face in the wild such as habitat loss,” said Evan Killeen, Lincoln Children’s Zoo CEO.
Red Pandas are listed as Endangered on the International Union Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, meaning they face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan Program. The program develops a Breeding and Transfer Plan which identifies population goals and recommendations to manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population. The plan’s coordinators approved breeding recommendations for the Zoo’s red pandas Tián and Rowan.
Tián and the three red panda cubs spend their time behind the scenes in their nest boxes as they grow and develop. They are not currently visible to the public and guests will likely not see them on exhibit until December. Keep an eye on the Zoo’s Facebook and Instagram for updates.
