The Santa Barbara Zoo in California reported the loss of the second of two red panda cubs born earlier this summer. This cub passed away over the weekend. Another cub from the same litter, born to a red panda named Ruby, died earlier in the month. It was found deceased on July 21, according to a statement by the zoo.
Red panda cubs have a notably high mortality rate of approximately 40%. These cubs, born on July 2, were Ruby’s first. The second cub had been under continuous care. The zoo detailed in their statement that the veterinary and animal care teams were providing round-the-clock attention.
“While the cause of death remains under investigation, this loss is heartbreaking for everyone who cared for these cubs and for all who have followed their journey,” the zoo said.
The cub had been observed not nursing properly, which led zoo staff to intervene on July 19 by taking it from Ruby. Effective care included placement in a temperature-controlled incubator with tube and bottle feedings, antibiotics, and constant veterinary supervision.
The red panda parents, Ruby and Raj, will have to wait for another breeding chance until the next breeding season next year, as per zoo guidelines.
Red pandas are slightly larger than house cats and are classified as endangered. This status is partially a result of deforestation and habitat loss in their native eastern Himalayan region. Additionally, they are sometimes accidentally caught in traps intended for other animals. The Santa Barbara Zoo estimates fewer than 10,000 mature red pandas currently exist in the wild, highlighting the critical conservation concern.