A rare moment of joy has arrived in Sikkim's highlands. Two red panda cubs have been born after a long seven-year wait at the Himalayan Zoological Park in Bulbuley near Gangtok.
First litter for red panda pair at Bulbuley
The cubs were born to red panda parents Lucky (II) and Mirak. This is their first litter together, officials from the park confirmed on Friday. The birth is seen as a major step for the park’s captive breeding programme.
The arrival of the cubs is especially significant, said the park authorities. It follows a difficult phase for the red panda conservation project. Two deadly outbreaks of canine distemper in past years had severely impacted the captive population.
Why this birth brings hope to conservation efforts
The last successful red panda birth at the park took place seven years ago. Since then, conservation teams had struggled with health crises among the animals. The new births are a hopeful sign of recovery.
Red pandas are native to the eastern Himalayas and are listed as endangered. Their numbers have declined sharply due to habitat loss, disease and poaching. Conservationists say every successful birth strengthens efforts to save the species.
What comes next for the new arrivals
The park has not revealed the cubs' sexes or names yet. They will be kept under close watch in a protected enclosure. Staff are monitoring their health and growth daily to ensure they develop well.
Officials added that these cubs represent more than just new life. They also reflect the dedication of staff who have worked tirelessly to rebuild the red panda population at the park.
(Inputs From PTI)
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