Overview

• Two cubs born on June 15 to pair Lucky II and Mirak represent the first litter for the couple and a key recovery milestone.
• The births end a seven-year breeding drought caused by two canine distemper outbreaks that nearly eradicated the captive population.
• All red pandas in HZP’s program are tracked via national and international studbooks to maintain healthy genetic diversity and support global breeding cooperation.
• Both Lucky II and Mirak participated in nest-building, an uncommon display of male involvement, while cub-rearing remains the mother’s role.
• The cubs will remain off public view with their mother for over a year, reach full size at 12 months and sexual maturity by 18 months before future breeding assessments.