A pair of baby red pandas at the Philadelphia Zoo have been named after two of the city’s most famous residents: Betsy and Benjamin.
Zoo officials said Friday that the monikers, which pay homage to Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin, received overwhelming support in a public naming contest.
Officials say the cubs’ birth on June 26 was important for red panda conservation, since the species is considered vulnerable in the wild. The brother and sister made their public debut Nov. 18.
Unlike giant pandas, red pandas are not members of the bear family. They are slightly larger than domestic cats and look similar to raccoons. They are native to Asia.
A female red panda cub, born in June, explores her habitat as she and a male cub make their public debut at the Philadelphia Zoo on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, in Philadelphia. The cubs have not been named and the zoo wants the public to suggest names. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) PHIX OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NEWARK OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
A male red panda cub, born in June, peeks over a water bowl while making its public debut along with a female cub at the Philadelphia Zoo, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, in Philadelphia. The cubs have not been named and the zoo wants the public to suggest names. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) PHIX OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NEWARK OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Red panda cubs, born in June, make their public debut at the Philadelphia Zoo, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, in Philadelphia. The cubs have not been named and the zoo wants the public to suggest names. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) PHIX OUT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT; NEWARK OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
ADORABLE!
They are adorable.
SO CUTE!! I’m a sucker for any baby pics, human or animal.