Philadelphia Zoo Asks For Public's Help Naming Two Baby Red Pandas
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An adorable furry family is in the spotlight at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Visitors can now get a look at the two Red Panda cubs born over the summer and can help name them.
Mom named "Spark" lead the way when the gate to the outdoor exhibit was opened. Her two cubs, brother and sister, joined a little later. The babies are nearly five-months-old and three and a half pounds each and expected to eventually reach about seven pounds. You can tell which one is the male because of the black spot on his side.
"They already can show a difference in personality. Our male really sticks with the mom and our female really likes to wander through the exhibit and check her surroundings out. So you'll be able to tell the difference when you come here," said Curator Donna Evernham.
Dad named "Basil" is being kept in a separate enclosure for now as the babies get used to things.
Children were learning about red pandas and doing arts and craft projects to mark the day.
The public can offer their suggestions about what to name the two cubs. One three-year-old boy from Fairmount has an idea -- to name them Mario and Ellie, after him and his sister.
For more information and to submit male and female name suggestions visit Facebook.com/PhiladelphiaZoo or email the name suggestions to pandas@phillyzoo.org.
Those who adopt a Red Panda by December 31st will get a free mini red panda plushie. To adopt a red panda, visit PhiladelphiaZoo.org/adopt.
