Rare Red Panda Triplets Born at Children's Zoo in Nebraska: 'The Cubs Are Healthy and Thriving'
Two males and a female were born on Aug. 10 at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo
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Stock image of a red panda.A Nebraska zoo has welcomed three new furry residents!
On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Lincoln, Nebraska, announced on Facebook that three red panda triplets had been born over the summer.
The new additions — two males and a female — arrived on Aug. 10 to red panda parents Tián and Rowan.
“IT'S TRIPLETS! We're so excited to announce the birth of one female and two male red panda cubs!,” the zoo announced. “The cubs were born at Lincoln Children's Zoo on August 10, 2024 to mom, Tián, and dad, Rowan. Names for each cub will be announced later.”
Alongside the announcement, the furry baby animals were captured snuggling together in a photo that appeared to have been taken shortly after their birth.
Three other photos were included in the post, seemingly showing each of the adorable red pandas a little later, with their red, white and brown fur having grown. Two of the babies were held by a human hand, while the other was pictured nestled in a container filled with straw.
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The zoo also discussed why the triplets are "rare" and explained how they had been able to help the red panda mom.
“It's rare for a red panda to raise triplets successfully, but Tián is an experienced and attentive mom, and keepers are able to check in and weigh the cubs as needed because of the great relationship our animal team has built with her!," the post added.
"The cubs are healthy and thriving," though the triplets and their mother are "not currently visible to the public," per the zoo's Facebook post.
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Lincoln Children's Zoo went on to say that the cubs "spend all of their time behind-the-scenes in nest boxes," as they grow and develop and shared a sweet update about the milestones the babies have achieved so far.
Related: Red Panda Gives Birth to 'Miracle' Cub Nicknamed 'Little Red' After Death of Partner
“They are currently learning to climb and are starting to venture out of those next boxes for short periods of time,” the statement read. “Keep an eye on our social media for updates on the triplets!”
According to KETV, Lincoln Children's Zoo prepared six nesting boxes after the triplets — whose names will be announced in the future — arrived.
"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 environment stressors," the Zoo said in a press release, per the outlet.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo CEO Evan Killeen also spoke to KETV about the importance of the furry arrivals for the species' population.
"Red pandas are an endangered species whose population has declined by 50 percent over the last 20 years,” Evans said. “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.”
According to the local TV station, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo believes the Tián and her three cubs should be made visible to the public in December this year.
