AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 12, 2026
Public Invited to Name Smithsonian’s Red Panda Cub
The Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is engaging animal lovers nationwide by inviting the public to help choose the official name of its newest resident: a female red panda cub. The cub was born on June 11 to parents Keahi and Rocket at the Zoo’s conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia.
Meet the Newest Arrival: A Female Red Panda Cub
This red panda cub, just four months old, is the latest addition to the Zoo’s conservation program. Born at the Front Royal campus, she represents a valuable contribution to efforts for red panda conservation. The birth followed closely behind the arrival of two other red panda cubs—a male and a female—at the same campus earlier this summer. Both red panda families remain at the facility, which is currently closed to the public.
Public Voting Opens for Red Panda Naming
The excitement now centers around one key decision: what to name the red panda cub. On Saturday, the Zoo shared a post on social media announcing that the animal care team, which has been caring for the young cub, has narrowed down the choices to three meaningful names. The Zoo is now seeking help from the community to make the final selection through public voting.
Three Names You Can Choose From
- Dolly – Inspired by the “Queen of Country,” the late Dolly Parton.
- Pyra – A name derived from the Greek word for “heat.”
- Dolpa – Named after a region in Nepal that is home to wild red pandas and where the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Red Panda Program is working to conserve the species.
How to Cast Your Vote
Anyone interested in contributing to the red panda naming process can cast their vote online. The Zoo has provided a special poll for public voting on the panda cub’s future name, giving wildlife enthusiasts a direct voice in the process. Those wishing to participate can access the voting page through the Smithsonian’s website or social media channels.
Supporting Red Panda Conservation Efforts
The red panda births at the Front Royal campus are an important part of ongoing wildlife conservation and red panda conservation initiatives coordinated by the Smithsonian and partner organizations. The birth and naming of this cub underscore continued efforts to protect and conserve the species, whose natural habitat includes regions like Dolpa in Nepal.
Looking Forward
While the public cannot currently visit the red panda cub in person due to the campus being closed, the naming poll offers a unique way for people everywhere to connect with and support the Zoo’s conservation work. The initiative highlights the role of community involvement in wildlife education, engagement, and protection.
Source: krqe.com.
