Juniper, Spruce, and Cedar — the rare red panda trio born at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo last August — will soon be moving on to their next home.
The Zoo announced on Thursday the triplets are all grown up and will be moving to other accredited locations within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP). This program manages the red panda population in human care to ensure genetic diversity and long-term survival. Over the past 20 years, the wild red panda population has declined by 50% due to habitat loss and other factors.
These triplets made national headlines. They were one of only three sets of triplets known to ever thrive in human care, according to the Zoo, saying their move is a “big deal” for conservation efforts. In 2024, Lincoln Children’s Zoo contributed to 25% of all red panda births in human care, making the triplets a major part of global conservation efforts.
Spokesperson Erin Lenz says zoo staff has loved caring for the triplets, who all have their own personality quirks. She says Juniper, Spruce and Cedar are moving on an SSP breeding recommendation and while they won’t be breeding right away.
“Their genetics are incredibly valuable for the future of red pandas in human care. Moves like this help maintain a strong and healthy population, supporting conservation efforts in the wild,” Lenz said.
Lincolnites can visit Juniper, Spruce, and Cedar through this weekend to wish them well before they begin their big move. Lenz says Spruce and Cedar will be traveling together and Juniper will be going solo to their new homes. Those zoo’s are planning their own special announcements once they arrive.