Detroit Zoo is celebrating the arrival of red panda twins. As CBS News Detroit reports, the twins were born to 7-year-old father Ravi and a 3-year-old first-time mother, Ginger, on June 17.
In a statement obtained by mlive, “So far, Ginger has been a very attentive and caring mother, and her cubs appear to be healthy, hydrated and vigorous,” according to the zoo staff. Zoo officials are keeping a close eye on the new family, as red panda cubs are known to be fragile in the first few months. The zoo is minimizing disturbances to give the twins the peace they need for a strong start.
Meanwhile, Ravi, the twin's father, is on display for the public on the east side of the Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest, as WXYZ Detroit details. The pedestrian bridge will remain closed until zookeepers deem it appropriate for the cubs to handle the additional presence of visitors from above their heads.
The twin cubs have a purpose that extends beyond being adorable attractions. "We hope Ginger and Ravi's cubs will grow to be strong, healthy ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping raise awareness of red panda conservation needs," zoo officials said, echoing the sentiments from CBS News Detroit. Updates on the cubs' growth and their adjustment to the environment will be shared on the zoo's social media channels, inviting fans to follow along as they mature.
