Two red panda cubs have been born at the Himalayan Zoological Park in Bulbuley, Gangtok, marking a breakthrough for the Park’s conservation breeding programme after a seven-year hiatus. The cubs were born on 15 June 2025 to red pandas Lucky(II) and Mirak, their first litter together.
The Himalayan Zoological Park, which has run a Red Panda Conservation Breeding Programme since 1997, faced major setbacks in recent years, including two outbreaks of Canine Distemper that severely impacted its captive population. The birth of the cubs is being seen as an important sign of recovery for the programme.
The breeding programme began with two red pandas—Preeti, brought from Rotterdam Zoo, and Jugal, from Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. In 2005, the programme was expanded with the addition of a wild-origin pair, Lucky and Ram, to improve genetic diversity. All pandas bred under the initiative are registered in national and international studbooks to maintain genetic viability and coordinate with other breeding centres globally.
Red pandas breed between November and January, with a gestation period of roughly five months. Cubs are typically born between June and August in concealed nests. While both Lucky(II) and Mirak were seen contributing to nest-building—an uncommon occurrence for red pandas—the mother remains solely responsible for rearing the young. The cubs will stay out of public view for now, as any early disturbance could lead to abandonment.
The newborns will remain with their mother for over a year, reaching full size by 12 months and becoming sexually mature by 18 months. Their development will be closely monitored to determine their suitability for future breeding plans.
The Himalayan Zoological Park continues to focus on safeguarding the red panda, an endangered species native to the Eastern Himalayas. The birth of these cubs has renewed hope in the long-term success of the conservation initiative.
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