Buffalo Zoo welcomes second red panda cub in partnership with Michigan zoo
The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to share some exciting news — our red panda family has grown! In partnership with the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan, we’ve welcomed a second female red panda cub to Buffalo.
Born on June 11, 2025, this newest arrival represents an incredible step forward in helping ensure the survival of this endangered species.
Like our Buffalo-born cub, our newest arrival is being hand-reared after her young, first-time mom faced complications.
Born just four days apart in June, both cubs faced challenges early on. As the offspring of first-time mothers, they required hand-rearing by expert care teams to ensure their survival. That’s where collaboration makes all the difference. By uniting the strengths and resources of two Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institutions, we’ve been able to give both cubs the best chance to grow healthy, strong, and—most importantly—together.
Why Bring Them Together?
Red pandas are social learners. By pairing these two young cubs, we’re giving them a companion who will help them develop critical natural behaviors such as climbing, foraging, exploring, and playing. These behaviors that can be learned alone but are developed more strongly in the company of other similar animals. Just as importantly, being together reduces stress, increases resiliency, encourages confidence, and provides the welfare benefits of companionship.
What began as two fragile lives is quickly becoming a thriving duo, supported by the dedication of two zoos working together to benefit the animals in their care.
The Buffalo Zoo is proud to work with countless other zoos to ensure the well-being of animals and species survival, and this special occasion is no different. This partnership with the Binder Park Zoo will ensure that each animal is put in the best situation, allowing them to bond and grow together. Our mission to Save Wildlife is always at the forefront of the work that we do, and this circumstance is no different.
The new female cub is noticeably curious, exploring her new surroundings confidently. She loves playing with her toys, and isn’t scared to do a little “panda parkour” as she scampers around her space.
The two cubs have already been introduced to one another and are getting along well! They are continuing to get used to one another’s presence, and they’re becoming more playful as time passes. Side by side, these cubs are expected to thrive, and their playful friendship will be a living testament to what cooperation and commitment to animal welfare can achieve.
See the Cubs and Support Their Future
Buffalo Zoo visitors can now see these two incredible cubs together! The pair will make their public debut together Friday, Sept. 12 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the ambassador animal exhibit near the entrance to the Diversity Hallway and our gorilla exhibit. After that, they both will tentatively be on exhibit daily from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in that same space.
The cubs will continue to live behind the scenes to be taken care of by our team, but they will spend their exercise time on view in the ambassador animal area for the time being. The cubs’ well-being remains our top priority and viewing is not guaranteed and the hours they are on view may vary as they grow. When the cubs are strong and healthy enough, we also hope to begin gradually introducing them to longer exhibit times and larger exhibit spaces.
How to Tell Them Apart
To tell the two apart, note that our new cub is a bit smaller and has more red in her face than the cub born at the Buffalo Zoo!
We will also soon announce the names of these two incredible cubs, so stay tapped in to the Buffalo Zoo’s social medias for more information on the reveal!
More Than a Cute Face
Every visitor and every donation fuels this mission.
Together, with your help, these cubs will grow up healthy, confident, and ready to inspire the next generation of wildlife protectors.
Red pandas are endangered, with fewer than 10,000 left in the wild due to deforestation and habitat loss. They are native to Asia, specifically the forests of Nepal, Bhutan and southern China. While they possess the digestive system of a carnivore, they are practically vegetarians, eating mostly bamboo leaves, and similar greenery.
By visiting and supporting the Buffalo Zoo, you’re not just meeting two remarkable cubs—you’re joining a network of conservationists, and animal lovers across the globe who are fighting for their survival.
Stay tuned for further updates on our red panda cubs!
