Potter Park Zoo celebrates birth of endangered red panda cub

Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan announced that its red panda pair—female Maliha and male Deagan-Reid—gave birth to a male cub on July 21, 2022. This is a significant birth because there are fewer than 205 red pandas in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) institutions¹ and less than 10,000 of this species left in the wild.²

“Maliha is doing great. She’s an experienced mother and has been excellent with the newborn,” said Annie Marcum, carnivore area lead keeper, in an organizational release. “The cub is actively nursing and growing at a healthy rate”.

The animal care staff at the zoo is monitoring Maliha and her infant via a camera located in the nest box where they are resting. Over the next weeks, veterinary staff will conduct regular wellness checks to keep track of the cub’s growth and development.

Deagan-Reid came from the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee in 2021 and was paired with Potter Park Zoo female Maliha by the AZA’s red panda Species Survival Program. The duo has had 2 successful litters in 2 years.

“We’re fortunate to have another successful red panda birth. Having two successful litters back-to-back is a testament to the hard work, planning, and teamwork at the zoo,” shared animal care supervisor, Pat Fountain. “Introducing another red panda cub to the SSP is crucial for the species moving forward, we’re glad to be a part of the solution.”

Maliha and her baby will be off exhibit until they are ready to venture out, though visitors can see Deagan-Reid on exhibit.

References

1. Thurman H. Endangered red panda cub born at Potter Park Zoo. News release. Potter Park Zoo. August 2, 2022. Accessed August 2, 2022. https://potterparkzoo.org/redpandacub
2. Red Panda. World Wildlife Fund, Inc. Accessed August 2, 2022. https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/red-panda