Smithsonian names red panda twins Shanti and Cinder at Front Royal campus

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute named its red panda twins Shanti and Cinder, according to FOX45 Baltimore. The twins were born on May 29 to parents Sequoia and Mow Mow at the Smithsonian’s conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia, which is not open to the public.

The female cub, Shanti, was named after Shanti Malla, recognized as the first female forest guardian in western Nepal. Her conservation work involves monitoring wild red pandas, educating communities, investigating poaching, and protecting forests, the Smithsonian said.

The male cub, Cinder, received his name due to his reddish-brown fur coloring. The Smithsonian described Cinder as less fiery than another cub named Dolly and less protective than his twin, Shanti.

The Smithsonian’s Council helped select the names for the twins. The naming highlights ongoing conservation efforts and connects the animals to global wildlife protection, FOX45 Baltimore reported.