The cubs, who have been tucked away in their nest box under the care of their mother Tiamat since their birth on 20 December, were given a quick physical check and vaccinations this morning.

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Perth Zoo senior veterinarian Simone Vitali said the eight-week-old cubs, which are not expected to start venturing out of their nest box for another six to eight weeks yet, looked to be strong and in good health.

“Red Pandas are susceptible to diseases similar to those seen in cats and dogs so it is important that they are vaccinated,” Dr Vitali said.

“We have confirmed today that we have a male and a female and that they each weigh around 700 grams which is a healthy weight for their age.

“They are suckling well and will start to wean over the next two to three months.”

Perth Zoo has successfully bred 16 Nepalese Red Pandas since 1997 as part of a regional breeding program for this endangered species.

In addition to the breeding program, Perth Zoo educates visitors and raises awareness about the threats faced by Red Pandas including the ever-increasing human demand for land and timber.

The Nepalese Red Panda is classified as endangered with habitat destruction and poaching the major threats to its long-term survival.

Feeding almost exclusively on bamboo, Red Pandas are found in mountainous terrain from Nepal through to north eastern India and Bhutan and into China, Laos and northern Myanmar and share part of their range with giant pandas.

Red Pandas are nocturnal. Like Giant Pandas, Red Pandas have a false thumb which helps them hold bamboo stems and leaves. They also have partially retractable claws and are very good climbers.

Red Pandas mature sexually at 18-20 months. The gestation period for Red Panda ranges from 110 to 145 days.

Media Contact: Debbie Read 9474 0383 or 0438 950 643

Orangutan Roof Top Tour

Be escorted by a primate Keeper for a view of the orangutans and their exhibit from an entirely different angle. You’ll get to participate in enrichment activities and hear all about this critically endangered species.

• Days available: Sat 17 Mar 12 & Sat 14 Apr 12
• Cost: $60pp
• Min Age: 12 Years (children must be accompanied by adult and all participants to have a ticket)
• Duration: 45 mins
• Time: 10:00am – 10:45am

Aussie behind the scenes

During this Close Encounter, you’ll have a chance to interact with reptiles, see a penguin feed and take a personalised keeper tour through our Australian Bushwalk.

• Days available: Sat 17 Mar 12 & Sat 14 Apr 12
• Cost: $60pp
• Min Age: 7 Years (children must be accompanied by adult and all participants to have a ticket)
• Duration: 90 mins
• Time: 08:00am – 09:30am

Spaces are limited so book now (08) 9474 0402 or email closeencounters@perthzoo.wa.gov.au

Giraffe naming competition winner Anne Holder with Twiga.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the name was chosen from more than 1,200 entries in a public naming competition run with The West Australian.

The winner was Anne Holder, of Victoria Park, who will be given a behind the scenes tour for her and three friends to meet Twiga and the other giraffes.

Ms Holder came up with the name after seeing giraffe in the wild when visiting Kenya, where she learnt the Swahili word for the animal.

Mr Marmion said he was pleased to see Twiga had settled in to her daily routine and both mother and calf were doing well.

“The staff are very happy with the calf’s development. She has put on more than 30 kg and now stands close to two metres tall,” he said.

“Visitors to the new Savannah Outlook tower experience at Perth Zoo have been getting a great view of the latest addition.”

Perth Zoo is part of a regional giraffe breeding program and has successfully bred eight giraffes since 1995.

Fact File

• Twiga was born at 5.30pm on 16 January 2012, weighing 72 kg and standing 180 cm tall.
• Twiga’s mother, Misha, has given birth to seven of the eight Perth Zoo giraffe calves.
• Misha was captured in famous ‘The Kiss’ photograph welcoming the first of those offspring, Makulu, into the world in 1995.

Time: Starts at 5:00 pm and runs through to 9:00 am the following morning

Cost: $70 per student (maximum of 32 students on camp, minimum charge of 20 students). Adult supervision is essential at $10 per adult. Limit of 7 adults per camp.

Find out more about Zoo Camp.