In an emailed news release, the zoo said that its red panda, named Dr. Erin, is healthy after the delivery and taking care of the baby in a special nest box. The zoo outfitted the box with cameras and shared a brief clip of Dr. Erin with her new baby on Twitter.
Zoo officials said this is Dr. Erin’s third time having a baby and described her as “an experienced mother” and “attentive and nurturing” toward her new cub.
Photos of the infant show that red pandas aren’t born with their trademark red fur. Instead, the zoo explained that the animals are born gray and turn red over several months.
Milwaukee County Zoo welcomes baby red panda Photos of the infant show that red pandas aren’t born with their trademark red fur. Instead, the zoo explained that the animals are born gray and turn red over several months. (Milwaukee County Zoo)
The zoo told WITI that the cub will stay with its mother for the first year of its life, learning how to climb by following her around her habitat.
Red pandas are considered endangered, and there are only an estimated 2,500 in the wild, WDJT reported.
Photos: Milwaukee County Zoo welcomes baby red panda The cub, seen sleeping in the nest box, where it spends most of its time. (Milwaukee County Zoo)
Photos: Milwaukee County Zoo welcomes baby red panda The cub is examined by a veterinarian at the zoo. (Milwaukee County Zoo)
Photos: Milwaukee County Zoo welcomes baby red panda Dr. Erin, seen here in the nest box. (Milwaukee County Zoo)
Photos: Milwaukee County Zoo welcomes baby red panda The cub is examined by veterinarians at the zoo. (Milwaukee County Zoo)
Photos: Milwaukee County Zoo welcomes baby red panda The cub is examined by veterinarians at the zoo. (Milwaukee County Zoo)