Red panda cubs Charlie and Thomas have been frequently spotted outside during visiting hours since Monday.
A spokesperson for the Virginia Zoo says that initially, mother Bernadette would carry the cubs around by their neck scruffs, but that they have been independently exploring their habitat since the first week of October.
The cubs were born June 20th and are among several babies recently born at the zoo.
Kellen, a baby giraffe born June 6, is beginning training with keepers. The cassowary chick born June 11, whose sex still has not been determined, continues to develop under father Boris’ care. An owl monkey born July 24, whose sex has also yet to be determined, can usually be spotted on his dad’s back, but is becoming more independent. Lola, the baby siamang, turned 1 year old August 20 and has begun eating more solid foods and now nurses only a little.
