2 days ago
Detroit Zoo's red panda twins moved to Ohio, Connecticut zoos
Two 11-month-old red pandas at the Detroit Zoo have left their parents for new homes across the country.
Female red panda twins Patti and Ponya have been moved to the Akron Zoo in Ohio and Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut, respectively, the Detroit Zoo shared on social media.
The Beardsley Zoo announced Ponya's arrival in May.
The Akron Zoo announced Patti's arrival in June and has apparently changed her name to Sundara.
Even though the twins are gone, Detroit Zoo visitors can still see parents Ginger and Ravi at the Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest.
"In the wild, red panda cubs grow independent from their parents after about a year — so this next step is a natural part of growing up!" according to the Detroit Zoo.
Patti and Ponya were born almost a year ago on June 17. The birth made Ginger a first-time mom, who was 3 years old at the time. Their dad, Ravi, was 7.
The twins' transfers were recommended by the Red Panda Species Survival Plan, according the zoo.
"While we'll miss their playful presence, we're proud to see them take this next step," the zoo said.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Zoo's red panda twins moved to Ohio, Connecticut zoos
