KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- In July 2007, three new red pandas arrived at Knoxville Zoo from Wellington Zoo in New Zealand, now almost one-year later, two red panda cubs have arrived!

The three pandas from New Zealand were paired with males to create new bloodlines for the red panda Species Survival Plan (SSP). The parents of the cubs born this week at Knoxville Zoo are Kumari, one of the three females from New Zealand, and Chewbacca, from the National Zoo in Washington D.C. While the cubs are currently on exhibit with their mother, they are being closely monitored by zoo staff.

Red pandas have been an integral part of Knoxville Zoo for years. Since 1977 when Knoxville's first pair, Bernice and Buster arrived, Knoxville Zoo has had 93 births, more than any other zoo in North America. Knoxville Zoo is also home to the oldest red panda in captivity, Flo, who is 18-years-old.

The new arrivals will join the zoo's five red pandas in The Boyd Family Red Panda Village. This new exhibit provides visitors the opportunity to get to know and see these wonderful animals better. It includes a nursery for the young or a quiet "retirement" home for some of the older pandas, several dens, an "aviary" style enclosure for better viewing, and an elevated platform for guests to see the red pandas eye-to-eye. Knoxville Zoo's red panda exhibit would not be possible without a generous contribution from Randy and Jenny Boyd.

Zoo officials are also excited to announce a new red panda mascot will be making its debut. In honor of the new arrivals, the zoo is hosting a 'Name the Red Panda' mascot contest. Interested participants can submit entries for consideration through 6:00 p.m. on July 18. To enter, visit the zoo between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and complete an entry form or visit the zoo's website at www.knoxville-zoo.org. The contest winner will receive a zoo birthday party for 20 people with a visit from the new red panda mascot.

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392A from Interstate 40W and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org.