The Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska is celebrating the birth of twin Red Pandas, the first to be born at the zoo in 25 years.  The twins are two of only 17 Red Pandas born in U.S. zoos in 2012. 

At age 15, the twins' father is the oldest proven breeder among captive Red Pandas, according to Zoo Director John Chapo.  Prior to this successful birth, the oldest male proven breeder was 12 years old. 

The twins, born earlier this summer, still spend most of their time in the nest box with their mother Sophie. 

Red Pandas are critically endangered in their native Himalayan habitat and the zoo population is an important component of Red Panda conservation efforts.

Photo Credits:  Lincoln Children's Zoo