Berlin Zoo's Red Panda Population Experiences Doubling
In the heart of Berlin, the city's beloved zoo is currently home to two adorable red panda cubs. These tiny bundles of fur, born around June 1st, are currently the star attractions, although their exact birthdate remains unknown.
Despite not being directly related, red pandas belong to the family of raccoon dogs. They share many similarities with their more famous counterparts, the giant pandas, particularly in their dietary preferences. Both species thrive on bamboo, but unlike the giant pandas, red pandas are not native to China's mainland. Their natural habitat can be found in the mountainous regions of northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, and China.
The mother of these cubs is Rosie, who is raising them for the first time. Visitors might occasionally catch a glimpse of Mama Rosie carrying her cubs around in the outdoor enclosure, but for now, the cubs are spending most of their time in their birth cave and are not visible to the public.
Rosie is being cautious with her cubs, not allowing them to take steps alone yet. The larger cub weighs 1.22 kilograms and is a male, while the smaller cub currently weighs 1.19 kilograms and is a female.
Fully grown, red pandas measure about a meter from nose to tail tip, and they weigh between four to six kilograms. Red pandas are born blind and helpless, opening their eyes for the first time at about five weeks. A unique feature of red pandas is that they do not have a thumb on their front paws but have a wrist bone that functions like a thumb.
Despite their resemblance to giant pandas, red pandas are not black and white. Instead, they have reddish-brown fur with white patches around their faces and legs.
The Berlin Zoo has a well-regarded collection of species and includes red pandas among its attractions. While details on precise visiting hours or the duration cubs remain available for public viewing are not given, the zoo is known for regular public animal viewings and feedings. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the red panda cubs, but for the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially on the timing when the cubs are on exhibit, checking directly with Berlin Zoo’s official website or contacting them would be advisable.
It's important to note that there have been red panda cubs born and visible at the zoo recently, with some Instagram activity in July 2025 mentioning red panda cubs. However, last year, the zoo experienced the loss of a cub due to fireworks stress.
Despite this, the Berlin Zoo continues to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these precious cubs, giving visitors a rare opportunity to witness the growth and development of these fascinating creatures.
The red panda cubs at the Berlin Zoo, though not natives of China's mainland like the giant pandas, share similar dietary preferences and are currently the main attraction in the zoo's home-and-garden area, providing a unique lifestyle experience for visitors. While it remains uncertain when the cubs will be visible to the public, their growth and development can be followed through updates on the zoo's official website or by contacting them directly. Additionally, pet owners looking for animal-related updates may find interest in the Berlin Zoo's home-and-garden section, including the red panda cubs' progress.
