Tragic Loss of Red Panda Cubs at Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo in California announced the death of a second red panda cub over the past weekend. This follows the earlier loss of another cub born to a red panda named Ruby. The zoo discovered the first cub deceased on July 21.

The zoo reported that red panda cubs have a mortality rate of approximately 40%. These cubs, delivered on July 2, were Ruby’s first offspring. Despite receiving constant care from the veterinary and animal care teams, the second cub passed away.

While the cause of death is still being investigated, this loss is heartbreaking for everyone who cared for these cubs and for all who have followed their journey, the zoo stated.

Zoo staff separated the surviving cub from Ruby on July 19 after noticing feeding issues. The cub was kept in a temperature-controlled incubator, receiving tube and bottle feedings, antibiotics, and continuous veterinary monitoring. Despite these efforts, the zoo could not save the cub.

The red panda cubs were the offspring of Ruby and Raj. The zoo noted that the next breeding season will not occur until next year due to its annual cycle.

Red pandas are slightly larger than house cats and are classified as endangered by the World Wildlife Fund. Habitat loss and accidental trapping contribute to their endangered status. The zoo estimates fewer than 10,000 mature red pandas remain in the wild, primarily in the eastern Himalayas.