Twin Red Pandas Born At Detroit Zoo

ROYAL OAK, MI — Twin red pandas were born at the Detroit zoo last week, zoo officials said.

Ravi, a 7-year-old red panda, and Ginger, a 3-year-old red panda, welcomed the cubs on June 17, zoo officials said.

Zoo officials said Ginger has been a very attentive and caring mother, as her cubs appear to be healthy, hydrated and vigorous. This is important because red pandas are fragile during the first few months of their lives and really depend on their mother.

"For the next two to three months, Ginger will be caring for the cubs in a nest box that provides a secluded, quiet space for her to tend to her cubs," zoo officials said.

The zoo has temporarily closed the pedestrian rope bridge over the red panda habitat during this time to minimize any potential stress for Mom, zoo officials said.

The bridge will reopen once the animal care staff feels that Ginger and her cubs have had more time to grow and thrive, zoo officials said.

During the temporary closure, guests can visit Ravi on the east side of the Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest, zoo officials said.

"We hope Ginger and Ravi's cubs will grow to be strong, healthy ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping raise awareness of red panda conservation needs," zoo officials said.