Rare Red Panda Triplets Born at Children's Zoo in Nebraska: 'The Cubs Are Healthy and Thriving'

Mar. 15, 2025

Three red panda cubs that were born at Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Lincoln, Nebraska on Aug. 10.Photo:Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

A Nebraska zoo has welcomed three new furry residents!

On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Lincoln, Nebraska,announced on Facebookthat three red panda triplets had been born over the summer.

The new additions —two males and a female —arrived on Aug. 10 to red panda parents Tián and Rowan.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Three panda cubs that were born at Lincoln Children’s Zoo on Aug. 10, 2024.Lincoln Children’s Zoo

The zoo also discussed why the triplets are “rare” and explained how they had been able to help the red panda mom.

“It’s rare for a red panda to raise triplets successfully, but Tián is an experienced and attentive mom, and keepers are able to check in and weigh the cubs as needed because of the great relationship our animal team has built with her!," the post added.

“The cubs are healthy and thriving,” though the triplets and their mother are “not currently visible to the public,” per the zoo’s Facebook post.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

A red panda cub that was born at Lincoln Children’s Zoo on Aug. 10, 2024.Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Lincoln Children’s Zoo went on to say that the cubs “spend all of their time behind-the-scenes in nest boxes,” as they grow and develop and shared a sweet update about the milestones the babies have achieved so far.

“They are currently learning to climb and are starting to venture out of those next boxes for short periods of time,” the statement read. “Keep an eye on our social media for updates on the triplets!”

“The multiple nest boxes allow Tián to choose which box she wants them in. Red panda moms will move their cubs around to keep them away from predators or when there are environment stressors,” the press release continued.

A photo of the red panda triplets taken on Thursday, Nov. 7.Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Lincoln Children’s Zoo CEO Evan Killeen also noted the importance of the furry arrivals for the species' population.

Lincoln Children’s Zoo believes the Tián and her three cubs should be made visible to the public in December this year.

source: people.com