Santa Barbara Zoo Welcomes the Birth of Two Rare Red Panda Cubs
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Two endangered red panda cubs have been born to first-time parents Ruby and Raj at the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Zoo officials say the twin cubs are the first red pandas born at the Zoo since 1993 and represent an important contribution to ongoing efforts to conserve the species.
They were born on July 2nd.
"The birth of these red panda cubs is an extraordinary milestone," said Charles Hopper, President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo. “Welcoming red panda cubs for the first time in more than 30 years is a remarkable accomplishment made possible by the exceptional dedication, expertise, and patience of our Animal Care & Health team. As an AZA-accredited zoo participating in the Red Panda Species Survival Plan, we are proud to contribute to a global network of conservation organizations working together to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species.
"These cubs represent more than a joyful new addition to our Zoo family; they symbolize the meaningful role the Santa Barbara Zoo plays in wildlife conservation at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Their birth also inspires our community to become active partners in protecting the natural world for generations to come."
Zoo veterinary and animal care teams say they are closely monitoring first-time mother Ruby and her cubs and are cautiously optimistic about their progress. The cubs appear healthy.
Red panda cubs are especially vulnerable in their first weeks of life.
Ruby and her cubs remain behind the scenes in their nest box.
Ruby came to the zoo in 2025 and joined their father Raj who arrived in 2023.
Zoological Manager Liz Cunningham said, "it is a very vital time for the mom to spend time with the cubs in a nice quiet area so that is why she is behind the scenes at this point and time."
Fresh fruit treats are often served up and it was helpful when they were doing a medical check a couple of months ago on Ruby to verifying her pregnancy.
Santa Barbara Zoo Keeper Joseph MacPhee said, "she stands on her back feet with her front paws on the front (rail) and she let's us ultra sound her abdomen. She was hand raised at the zoo she came from so her instincts have been perfect and she has done everything she was supposed to do ."
The staff will monitor their growth, development, and wellbeing. It is expected that the cubs will remain off habitat until they are approximately three months old, but their father Raj will be visible to guests in the habitat.
When it comes to meal time, they can be fussy but seem to like Farmers Market fresh fruit.
"We he first came to us Raj would only eat Craisins and his palet has expanded since he's lived in Santa Barbara. He prefers fresh peaches or nectarines (and) cherries are from the Farmers's Market ."
For the Santa Barbara Zoo this is exactly what the staff works for on and off the property every day.
Cunningham said, "conservation work happens in the wild and we support local field programs. Conservation also happens at the zoo with these breeding programs."
For more information or to make a donation go to: Santa Barbara Zoo
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