Skip to footer

Red panda cub born at National Zoo first in 15 years

Red panda cub fans might catch a glimpse of the latest addition to the National Zoo's family of red pandas, who was born on June 16.

|
Mehgan Murphy/National Zoo/UPI/Newscom
Red panda cub: The red panda cub born on June 16 is seen at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington. Mother Shama gave birth to a single cub, the first for both of the zoo's red pandas and the first red panda cub born at the National Zoo in Washington in 15 years.
  • By Associated Press

| Washington

A red panda cub has been born at the National Zoo in Washington for the first time in 15 years.

The zoo says Thursday that red panda mother Shama gave birth to a single cub on June 16. The father is 3-year-old Tate, who came to Washington last year from the Nashville Zoo.

The zoo has temporarily closed the red panda exhibit to give the mother and cub privacy. Until it reopens, visitors may be able to get a glimpse from the upper viewing area on the Asia Trail.

IN PICTURES: Zoo babies

Red pandas are native to China, the Himalayas and Myanmar. They are an endangered species, with fewer than 2,500 left in the wild.

Shama was born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va. It also had a recent red panda birth.

Related:

You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to Red panda cub born at National Zoo first in 15 years
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/From-the-news-wires/2010/0625/Red-panda-cub-born-at-National-Zoo-first-in-15-years
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe