The birth of two red panda cubs at the Himalayan Zoological Park near Gangtok, Sikkim, has revitalized its red panda conservation efforts after a seven-year gap. Born on June 15 to parents Lucky-II and Mirak, the cubs mark the first litter for the pair. Park authorities officially announced the news on August 1, calling it a major achievement for the Red Panda Conservation Programme, which began in 1997.
Director Sangay Gyatso explained that the programme had faced setbacks over the past seven years, including two outbreaks of canine distemper—a deadly viral disease affecting carnivores—that significantly reduced the captive red panda population.
The breeding initiative initially started with Preeti, a red panda from Rotterdam Zoo, and Jugal from Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The programme expanded in 2005 with the addition of a wild-origin pair, Lucky and Ram, which helped broaden genetic diversity. Cubs born in the park are monitored through studbooks to support global breeding efforts.
In a rare event, male red panda Mirak participated in nest-building alongside Lucky-II. The cubs, hidden from public view for now, will remain with their mother for over a year, with future breeding plans depending on their health and compatibility.