Whipsnade Zoo Welcomes Two Endangered Red Panda Cubs
On Thursday 16 July, 2026, Whipsnade Zoo was delighted to announce the birth of two tiny red panda cubs, bringing a double boost for the Endangered species.
The cubs, born to five-year-old mother Ruby and six-year-old father Nilo, are now six weeks old and are growing bigger and stronger every day under the care of their experienced mother. The zoo’s team of vets and keepers are closely monitoring the cubs’ progress as they continue to thrive under Ruby’s watchful eye.
Despite their small size, the duo have already grown significantly from their birth weight of 90 grams, which is approximately the weight of a banana. However, they still have a long way to go before they resemble their parents with their red coats. Currently, the cubs are spending their days tucked away in the nestbox with Ruby, relying on her for warmth and nourishment. As they grow stronger, their eyes will open and their distinctive russet coats will gradually emerge. At around three months old, they will take their first tentative steps out of the nest.
Amanda Robinson, Primate Section Manager at Whipsnade Zoo, expressed her excitement about the new arrivals, saying, “We knew Ruby was pregnant from her behaviour changes and weight gain, so we were absolutely delighted when these two healthy babies arrived back in July.”
She added, “We’re keeping a close eye on the family while giving them space to bond and grow, and it’s clear Ruby is an excellent mum and has been doing a brilliant job caring for her two little ones.”
The cubs’ genders will be determined at their first health check with the zoo’s veterinary team, which will take place at around ten weeks old. At that time, the zoo will also start considering names for the duo.
Red pandas are known for their remarkable climbing abilities and spend most of their time in the forest canopy. Their long, bushy tails help them balance as they move through the trees, while their sharp claws and flexible ankles allow them to grip branches and climb head-first down tree trunks.
Although often mistaken for giant pandas, red pandas are not closely related and are an EDGE species, meaning they are Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered. This makes their conservation even more crucial, as losing them would mean losing an entire branch of the tree of life.
The arrival of the two cubs is significant for the conservation of their species, which is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In the wild, their numbers in the forests of the Himalayas and south-western China are declining due to habitat loss, a reduction in their bamboo food supply, and poaching.
The family at Whipsnade conservation zoo is part of an important European conservation breeding program for red pandas, which helps maintain a healthy and genetically diverse safety population in zoos. Meanwhile, ZSL conservationists are working to protect red pandas and their habitats in the wild.
The cubs’ arrival also coincides with a significant milestone for the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), as the charity celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Every visit to Whipsnade Zoo supports the global work of ZSL in protecting and restoring wildlife around the world. Visitors can enjoy a full day of fun and discovery at Whipsnade Zoo, including free parking, daily expert zookeeper talks, and free entry for children under three. Tickets are also available at a discounted rate for children aged three to fifteen. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the zoo’s official website at www.whipsnadezoo.org.
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