LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Potter Park Zoo is welcoming a red panda cub from parents Maliha and Deagan-Reid on July 5, 2025. Mom, Maliha, and her cub are not part of the red panda exhibit right now, but visitors are welcome to visit Dad, Deagan-Reid.
According to the zoo, this was accomplished in part by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Species Survival (SSP). The zoo says animal care and veterinary teams have been keeping a close eye on the cub’s progress and report that the newborn appears to be in good health.
“We are fortunate that Maliha is a fantastic mother, and the cub is doing well,” said Pat Fountain, Animal Care Supervisor, in a news release sent to 6 News. “This successful birth is very important to this endangered species.”
Potter Park Zoo shares update on sick rhino
Potter Park says red panda newborns are born deaf, blind, and are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. It takes over two weeks for cubs to open their eyes.
According to the news release sent to 6 News, red pandas are native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China and are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. They are considered endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and fragmentation. They face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Their population has declined significantly, with estimates suggesting a 50% decrease over the last 18 years…