Zoo Knoxville has two new reasons to celebrate — and the community has a chance to become part of their story by helping give them names.
The zoo’s newest red panda cubs are two males born June 7 to mother Sisu (SEE-soo) and father Doofah (DOO-fuh). The healthy cubs are the second litter for the pair and another milestone for Zoo Knoxville’s long-running red panda breeding program.
Now, Zoo Knoxville is inviting supporters to donate for a chance to help name one of the cubs. Two winners will be selected, and each will receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes red panda experience. The winners will also have the opportunity to submit name suggestions for one of the new arrivals.
The naming opportunity adds a little fun to something much bigger. Every donation supports Zoo Knoxville’s work to provide exceptional animal care, contribute to wildlife conservation worldwide, and inspire future generations to protect wildlife.
Red pandas are an endangered species native to high-altitude forests in parts of Asia. Despite their name, they are not closely related to giant pandas. They are the only living members of the Ailuridae family and feed primarily on bamboo, although their diet can also include fruit, berries, and other foods. Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the major threats facing red pandas in the wild.
Zoo Knoxville has a particularly strong history with the species. Did you know the zoo received its first red pandas, Buster and Bernice, in 1977 and welcomed its first cubs the following year? Since 1978, more than 115 red panda cubs have been born at Zoo Knoxville through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, making the zoo a longtime leader in red panda conservation and breeding.
For now, animal care staff are closely monitoring the two cubs through routine health checks and weigh-ins while giving Sisu the opportunity to raise them with as little human interaction as possible. The first months of a red panda cub’s life are delicate, and the zoo’s approach is to intervene only when medically necessary.
The cubs have been spending their early weeks inside a nest box and are expected to begin exploring their indoor nursery as they grow. Guests can follow their development on a live camera monitor in the Boyd Family Red Panda Village before the youngsters begin venturing into their outdoor habitat.
Zoo Knoxville’s mission is to deliver dynamic guest experiences while inspiring action to save wildlife and wild places. For more information on Zoo Knoxville’s commitment to wildlife conservation, events, membership, and planning your visit, go here.
Located at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr.,37914, Zoo Knoxville is open every day 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Follow Zoo Knoxville on Facebook, Instagram, X.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.
