The Herberstein Wildlife announces the birth of two rare Red pandasThe puppies, a male and a female, were born on June 17, 2025. This birth is an important success for the international breeding program, which aims to maintain a stable population of animals kept in zoos.
The puppies opened their eyes for the first time after about three weeks. After eight weeks, the zoo director, Dr. Reinhard Pichler, conducted their first health check. During this check, the puppies were vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. Sex determination confirmed that they are a pair. According to the veterinarian, both puppies are in very good general health.
Father Kaldon has lived in Herberstein since 2013, while mother Kalina joined him last year. The pair were frequently observed mating in the spring. Red pandas, also known as "lesser pandas ," are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Worldwide, there are only an estimated 10.000 red pandas left in the wild, of which only 2.500 are reproductively mature. Currently, 420 red pandas live in European zoos, and their population is managed through the European Endangered Species Programme ( EEP ).
The cubs are currently being kept in a protected area away from public view. It will be a few more weeks before the newest offspring at Herberstein Wildlife Park can be seen regularly. However, with luck, visitors may be able to observe the mother carrying her cubs to another nest box.