Gangtok, Aug. 2 -- The birth of two red panda cubs at the Himalayan Zoological Park near Gangtok has marked a significant milestone in Sikkim's red panda conservation efforts.

The cubs, born on June 15 to parents Lucky-II and Mirak, were officially announced by park authorities on August 1, 2025, bringing renewed optimism to the state-run Red Panda Conservation Programme.

This is the first litter for the pair and the first successful red panda birth at the park in seven years. The long gap, officials said, was due in part to two outbreaks of canine distemper-a highly contagious viral disease that severely impacted the captive red panda population.

"This birth is especially heartening," said Park Director Sangay Gyatso. "It comes after ...