B.C.’s first born red panda cubs named

Names have finally been chosen for B.C.’s firstborn red panda cubs.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo says its staff had to compile “tens of thousands” of entries to the naming contest. The zoo’s deputy general manager Menita Prasad and two guest judges made a unanimous decision.

The male cub has been named Maple while the female cub’s name is Mei Mei.

“Our hope was to engage the public in increasing awareness for this incredibly unique and endangered species and we did not anticipate such a huge response. The largest response we have experienced with a naming contest to date!” Prasad said.

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The twin cubs were born on June 14, 2022. Mei Mei and Maple’s parents were introduced through a Species Survival Plan. Their mother, Sakura, was born in Quebec’s Granby Zoo. She was introduced to their father, Arun, who was born in Manitoba’s Assiniboine Park Zoo.

The zoo says red pandas are an important species that help keep balance in their ecosystem. They can be found in Northern Myanmar, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and in to the Yunnan provinces of China.

“Red Pandas are also the last surviving species in their taxonomic family, saving them preserves a piece of our world’s national heritage.”

The red panda twins will stay at the Greater Vancouver Zoo for at least a year, similar to the amount of time they stay with their mom in the wild. After such time, the cubs may be paired with potential mates in other facilities.