Breeding season is about to start so Ralphie is going to be as friendly as he can with Cassie. Unfortunately the odds of cubs is now considered remote. If a female red panda has not given birth by age 8, which Cassie is, the odds of her ever conceiving plummets. Any 8 year old female who hasn't bred is considered unable to breed. Hopefully they can find a new mate for Ralphie in the future but the zoo doesn't have a good breeding record. Only two litters have ever been born at the zoo producing just 3 cubs. I wouldn't be all that surprised if a mate became available for Ralphie that he will leave and another non breeder arrive to take his place.
Thanks for the kind words cypher!
I felt rather fortunate to catch this interaction between the two of them. Even if it is unlikely to lead to any cubs. Ralphie was definitely initiating the interaction between the two of them during my visit.
Sounds like a very long shot for cubs, but will keep fingers crossed.
