KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- This summer, Knoxville Zoo announced the birth of two red pandas. Guests are now able to see two cubs on exhibit in The Boyd Family Red Panda Village.

The birth of the red panda cubs was an exciting event at Knoxville Zoo. The cubs, born June 14, were separated from the mother shortly after their birth for veterinary care. The female cub had developed an infection which is not uncommon for red panda cubs. Other underlying health concerns soon became apparent and the female cub died several days later due to complications and possible congenital defects.

The male red panda cub, named Samuel, will now have to be hand-raised by keepers at Knoxville Zoo. It is vitally important that red panda cubs are “peer-reared” when being hand-raised so they will develop proper social skills as a panda. Recently, the Red Panda Species Survival Plan recommended Henry Ford, a red panda cub born June 16 at the Detroit Zoo, be paired with and hand-raised with Samuel. Red panda keepers have been doing around the clock feedings and care for both male cubs in the zoo’s clinic. 

Both Samuel and Henry are now on exhibit in The Boyd Family Red Panda Village for all to see. Be sure to see the red panda cubs soon, they won’t stay little for long!

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392A from Interstate 40 West 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.