Lincoln Park Zoo Reveals Genders of Red Panda Cubs

Caption: Lincoln Park Zoo’s first-ever red panda cubs born June 26 at the Kovler Lion House. | Lincoln Park Zoo

How do you determine the gender of a newborn red panda cub? Turn them over.

Lincoln Park Zoo keepers and veterinarians determined that two red panda cubs born last month appear to be healthy and growing during their first physical exam on July 10.

It was the cubs’ first trip outside their off-exhibit den since they were born at the Kovler Lion House on June 26 to mama Leafa. The cubs are the first-ever to be born in a Chicago zoo and veterinarians are monitoring Leafa and her kids very closely.

Lincoln Park Zoo Red Panda Cubs

Until their check-up, the cubs remained unsexed and unnamed since they were too young to leave their den. So far 5-year-old Leafa is being a good mommy exhibiting the necessary maternal instincts. It will be several months before mother and cubs leave the den to join their father, 3-year-old Phoenix.

“The cubs are an estimated four or five ounces at birth and are covered in a pale yellow fur,” mammals curator Mark Kamhout said in a news release. “Red panda cubs’ eyes remain closed at birth and they rely solely on their mother for care and survival. They will begin to open their eyes around three weeks old.”

The cubs’ next milestone is to open their eyes, which is anticipated to happen this week.

The offspring are the result of a breeding recommendation from the Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP) which cooperatively manages the accredited zoo population, zoo officials said.

Red pandas are raccoon-like in appearance and have panda in their name, but are not related to either species. Genetics have shown red pandas belong to a unique family. Red pandas hail from the Himalayan mountain range and due to habitat loss and poaching, red pandas are considered a vulnerable species.

Lincoln Park Zoo remains ecstatic and optimistic about the little cubs’ survival. Last week’s exam determined one male and one female cub. The cubs each weigh about a half pound and are healthy and growing.

Zoo officials say they are working with a loyal donor to name the cubs.