STAFF REPORTER

Perth Zoo’s latest breeding success – two Red Panda cubs – made their first public appearance today as veterinarians gave them a health check and vaccinations.

Until today, the cubs had been tucked away in their nest box under the care of their mother Tiamat since their birth on 20 December.

Perth Zoo senior veterinarian Simone Vitali said the eight-week-old cubs looked to be strong and in good health.

The cubs are not expected to venture out of their nest box for another six to eight weeks.

“Red Pandas are susceptible to diseases similar to those seen in cats and dogs so it is important that they are vaccinated,” Dr Vitali said.

“We have confirmed today that we have a male and a female and that they each weigh around 700 grams which is a healthy weight for their age.

“They are suckling well and will start to wean over the next two to three months.”

The zoo has bred 16 Nepalese Red Pandas since 1997 as part of a regional breeding program for the endangered species.

The species is classified as endangered with habitat destruction and poaching the major threats to its long-term survival.

Feeding almost exclusively on bamboo, Red Pandas are found in mountainous terrain from Nepal through to northeast India and Bhutan and into China, Laos and northern Myanmar.

They share part of their range with giant pandas.

Red Pandas are nocturnal. Like Giant Pandas, they have a false thumb that helps them hold bamboo stems and leaves.

They also have partially retractable claws and are very good climbers.

Red Pandas mature sexually at 18 to 20 months.

The gestation period for a Red Panda ranges from 110 to 145 days.