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Red Panda Twins Born At Detroit Zoo

ROYAL OAK (CBS Detroit) – A set of male red panda twins are ready to make their debut at the Detroit Zoo. They can found in the wooded habitat across from the Amur tigers.

The yet-to-be-named pandas were born June 27, 2013, to 8-year-old Ta-Shi. The father is 4-year-old Shifu. The coincidence to a certain "Kung Fu Panda" master's name can't be ignored.

The mating was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. It's the first time the pair have produced offspring and the fifth time for Ta-Shi.

"Ta-Shi is an experienced and attentive mom and very protective of her babies," said Robert Lessnau, Detroit Zoological Society Curator of Mammals.  "We're thrilled to once again add to the captive population of this threatened species."

Red pandas are classified as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species due to deforestation.

About the size of a house cat, red pandas are not actually bears, but are in their own taxonomic family.  Needless to say, they are ridiculously cute.

For admission information call (248) 541-5717 or visit detroitzoo.org.

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