Birth of Two Rare Red Panda Cubs at Cork's Fota Wildlife Park
Red Panda Cubs Born at Fota Wildlife Park
Two endangered red panda cubs were born on June 7, 2025, at Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork, Ireland. The park is currently inviting the public to suggest names for these cubs, who are part of conservation efforts through the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) aimed at preserving this threatened species.
The red panda cubs are the offspring of three-year-old mother Suzi, who came from Berlin Zoo, and seven-year-old father Grga, who was transferred from Zagreb Zoo in Croatia. These cubs remain in the nesting box with their mother, nursing and sleeping, and are not yet visible to visitors. They will begin briefly exploring their habitat outside the nest within a few weeks under careful supervision.
The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is classified as endangered primarily due to habitat loss and poaching in its native regions of the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. The successful birth of these cubs at Fota Wildlife Park supports international efforts to maintain and increase the species' population through coordinated breeding programs among European zoos and wildlife parks as part of the EEP.
Fota Wildlife Park's lead ranger, Julien Fonteneau, finds the care of endangered species meaningful. He believes the births will inspire and educate the visiting public and future generations. The park hopes the cubs’ birth and public engagement to name them will raise awareness about biodiversity loss and inspire conservation interest among visitors and future generations.
Visitors may be able to see the cubs in the next three weeks as they begin to explore their surroundings. If you would like to help name these cubs, suggestions can be submitted through a provided link on the Fota Wildlife Park’s website.
[1] Fota Wildlife Park Press Release, June 8, 2025. [2] European Endangered Species Programme, Red Panda. [3] World Wildlife Fund, Red Panda. [4] Fota Wildlife Park, Red Panda Cub Naming Competition.
