The Zoological Society of London’s Whipsnade Zoo is getting a
glimpse of their Red Panda twins for the first time since they were born in
June. The girls, named Yin and Yang, have stayed close to first-time mom,
Tashi, for the last few months, and are only now beginning to take tentative
steps to explore their surroundings.

Photo Credits: Photos 1,3: Richard Claypole, Photo 2: A. Harris

Keepers have spotted the cute cubs peeping their heads out
of their nest box, and say the duo are already starting to live up to their
names.

Senior keeper Tessa Knox said, “Yin is more sedate while
Yang seems to be quite feisty, mirroring the philosophies behind their names –
opposite yet complementary forces.

“Both are doing really well and are beginning to get more
adventurous and confident, though they will continue to stick close to mum for
a little while longer yet.” 

The twins live with Tashi and dad, Peter, in a tree in the
middle of the Zoo. The family eat a special high fiber, leaf eater diet – their
favorite food is bamboo but they also enjoy bananas and grapes. 

The Red Panda is listed on the IUCN Red List as
"Vulnerable" and is thought to be under threat because of habitat
loss in their native Nepal, with an estimated population of less than 10,000.  The twins at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are an
important addition to the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).