Name Selected For CT's Beardsley Zoo's 1st Red Panda Cub

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has named its first red panda cub Pabu following a public vote, zoo officials announced.

Pabu, a Tibetan word meaning "fluffball," received more votes than the other two choices, Ravi and Tashi.

The cub was born June 24 to first-time parents Ponya and Pilot, making him the first red panda cub born at the Bridgeport zoo.

Zoo officials said Pabu’s birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Red Panda Species Survival Plan, which works to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population of red pandas at accredited zoos.

Ponya and Pilot were paired through the Species Survival Plan as part of a nationwide effort to support the endangered species.

Pabu will continue receiving care behind the scenes as he grows and prepares to join Ponya and Pilot at the zoo’s Natt Family Red Panda Habitat.

More information about the zoo and tickets is available at beardsleyzoo.org.

About Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens) Red pandas are small, tree-dwelling mammals native to the temperate forests of
the Himalayas and southwestern China. Known for their reddish-brown fur, ringed tails, and playful personalities,
red pandas spend much of their lives in trees and primarily feed on bamboo. Despite sharing a name with giant
pandas, they belong to their own unique family and are considered one of the world's most charismatic endangered
species.