The Red River Zoo's new Red Panda, a male named Mattie, was born on June 14. The cub is currently staying in his indoor quarters with Mom. When he gets a few weeks older, he will begin to venture out into the outdoor exhibit area visible to the public. His parents, Dad Yukiko and Mom Shantou, are eight years old and were imported from Japan in 2007 by the Red River Zoo to help increase the genetic diversity of the captive population in the U.S.

The Red River Zoo is a leading breeder of Red Pandas and has bred one-fourth of the captive Chinese Red Panda species in North American zoos. Mattie will serve as an ambassador for the Red River Zoo and a mascot for MATBUS, the city's public bus system.

Photo Credit: Red River Zoo

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