MI Zoo Celebrates Birth Of Red Panda Cub

LANSING, MI — A Michigan zoo is celebrating the birth of a red panda.

Maliha gave birth to a cub on July 5 at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

The birth, which is the fifth litter produced by Maliha and father Deagan-Reid, comes as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Zoo officials said the cub is healthy and bonding with mom at an off-exhibit site. Dad, Deagan-Reid, can be seen in the habitat.

"We are fortunate that Maliha is a fantastic mother, and the cub is doing well," said Pat Fountain, Animal Care Supervisor. "This successful birth is very important to this endangered species."

The cub's name will be revealed at a later time.

Red panda cubs are born deaf, blind and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. They usually open their eyes after about two weeks and begin venturing out of the nest after their first two months.

Red pandas are native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. They are considered an endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and fragmentation.