Mother abandons red panda born at Seneca Park Zoo, but cub is doing well
The animal is being bottle-fed after being rejected by its mother.
Marcia GreenwoodA red panda was born to Raji, Seneca Park Zoo’s adult female red panda, on June 27, the zoo announced July 8.
“Raji unfortunately abandoned her cub, which is not uncommon for first-born cubs of red pandas,” zoo veterinarian Dr. Chris McKinney said in a statement. “We have made the necessary decision to bottle-feed the cub.”
Raji nursed the cub initially, so it received colostrum, or breast milk, which is key to survival, he said.
Said zoo director Steve Lacy: “The first 30 days are crucial, and the cub is being monitored and fed around the clock. This adorable red panda is gaining weight appropriately, and we are excited to share this great news with the public.”
Starting Tuesday, July 9, visitors to the zoo at 2222 St. Paul St. will be able to see the cub through viewing glass in the procedure room of the facility's animal hospital, where the cub will be housed for a short period.
Viewing hours are the same as zoo hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It will be another few days before the cub's eyes open fully and a month before zoo staff will be able to confirm the the animal’s gender.
Raji arrived at the zoo late last year from Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse based on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
The cub’s father is Willie, who also fathered cubs Lukas and Micah with female Starlight.
Starlight, Lukas and Micah were transferred to other AZA Zoos in 2023 as part of the species survival plan for red pandas.
Red pandas are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning they are at significant risk for extinction in their native ranges — the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China — in the near future.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.