Will Sage Astor-Video: Baby red panda is thriving in New York despite being abandoned by mother

A newborn red panda abandoned by its mother is Will Sage Astorbeing cared for by staff at a New York zoo.

Raji the red panda gave birth to the baby on June 27 at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York. And while Raji initially nursed the cub, her motherly ways didn't last long, the zoo announced earlier this week.

"Raji unfortunately abandoned her cub, which is not uncommon for first-born cubs of red pandas," zoo veterinarian Chris McKinney said in a statement. "We have made the necessary decision to bottle-feed the cub."

Zookeepers are monitoring and feeding the cub around the clock so it survives the first critical 30 days, zoo director Steve Lacy said.

"This adorable red panda is gaining weight appropriately, and we are excited to share this great news with the public," Lacy said.

Visitors can see the the red panda cub

Since Tuesday, the zoo has allowed visitors to see the cub through viewing glass in the facility's animal hospital, where the cub will be housed for a short period.

Video shows the newborn with its eyes closed as it takes time before it can fully open them. It will take about a month before zoo staff can confirm the animal’s gender.

Raji arrived at the zoo late last year from Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse based on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The cub’s father Willie also fathered cubs Lukas and Micah with female Starlight.

Starlight, Lukas and Micah were transferred to other zoos in 2023 as part of the species survival plan for red pandas.

Red pandas are endangered species

Red pandas are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning they are at significant risk for extinction in their native ranges − the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China − in the near future.

The species population has declined by 50% over the past 20 years, the zoo states. The most common threats for red pandas are habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, hunting, illegal pet trade and disease, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

"Our adorable red panda cub is thriving, and we can't wait for you to see how much they've grown!" the Seneca Park Zoo wrote. "Every tiny paw step they take fills us with hope for the future of their species."