There are some tiny new residents of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo after three red pandas were born in early June. Officials say mom Udaya gave birth to the new cubs on June 8, the third litter for her and her mate, eight-year-old Linus. “The successful birth of the cubs reflects positive animal welfare and wellbeing outcomes for the red panda family, who have been housed behind the scenes since last year during construction of their habitat. During this time, they have experienced changes in environment and routine while continuing to demonstrate stable health and normal behavioural patterns under the care of the Animal Care, Health and Wellness team,” officials said in a news release on Thursday. The red panda cubs will not be on public display right away, the zoo said, but Linus and the cubs’ big brother Anshu will be seen in the species’ new exhibit when the Asian Highlands opens later this month. The zoo says the habitat has been built to better resemble the natural world of the red panda, incorporating complex climbing structures, elevated pathways and a forested environment. The Asian Highlands is set to open on July 15.
