Red Panda Cubs Come Out To Play At Detroit Zoo

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WWJ-TV) – Quite possibly the cutest animals in the universe, two adorable red panda cubs can finally be seen in their habitat across from the tigers. Twin boys R.J. and Hammy, who were born in July, were difficult to spot in the summer months due to all the leaves in their wooded habitat.

"The Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time to see and appreciate these cubs and other threatened species that thrive here," said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.

Red pandas are skilled and agile climbers, spending most of their time in trees hanging from branches or lounging on limbs. They are most active in the early morning and evening hours.

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a shy and solitary animal, except when mating. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a bear but rather belongs to its own family. It averages the size of a house cat, with rust-colored fur and an 18-inch, ringed tail.

Found in the mountainous regions of Nepal, Myanmar and central China, red pandas are classified as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species due to deforestation.