Atlanta Zoo Pandas

[Kris G.]

From Zoo Atlanta-

Monday, October 3
The most common question we get about the twin panda cubs is how do we do the swaps. Now that the cubs are big enough and old enough for Lun Lun to put them down for a few minutes, the swapping is really quite easy. Lun Lun is left with access to an adjacent den to the one you see on PandaCam. When it's time to swap cubs, we ask Lun Lun to put the cub down and come over into the next-door den. We reward her for coming over with biscuits, fruit, and lots of bamboo. As soon as she has allowed us to shut the door behind her, we can safely enter the den with the cub and retrieve it. After that cub has been weighed and put into an incubator, we give Lun Lun some alone time to eat and do what she pleases. We then leave it up to Lun Lun to let us know, by vocalizing or going to the shift door that leads back to the den, that she is ready for the other cub.

Right now the swaps are about every four hours, but we are always keeping an eye out for when Lun Lun is hungry and an ear out for when the cubs start letting everyone know that they are hungry too.

This method is safe for both the pandas and their care team and allows for the cubs to get equal time with mom and some alone time for Lun Lun!

And by the way, in case you’re counting, the twins are 1 month old today!      

http://youtu.be/AOHCcKok86E

[Kris G.]

51 days old!   

http://youtu.be/Utzg6Jd6R-k

[Kris G.]

The twins are both girls!   

http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/article_content/Its_a_girl_and_a_girl_giant_panda_twins_at_Zoo_Atlanta_are_female

[Carol P.]

 

[AlisonL]

 

Thanks, Kris! I hope everything continues to go well for these very cute cubs.

[Kris G.]

Bittersweet..Mei Lun and Mei Huan leave for China Thursday.  A 45 hr plane ride, in separate crates, but they'll be able to see each other during their trip.

http://youtu.be/zlCoiiPSYh0

[carly]

I'm watching the Mei's right now while they sleep on the platform.  I hate when they have to go, it's always so hard. 

Great news about the two new cherubs, that's 5 girls now for Lunnie and 2 boys.

[Kris G.]

Mei Lun and Mei Huan's first 3 yrs.  

http://youtu.be/LKT7ckmIMmo

The twins are on their way to China and, if interested, Zoo Atlanta is posting some pics on their FB page of their trip.

[Kris G.]

Mei Lun and Mei Huan arrived in China at 5AM.. here's a video of their arrival and transfer to Chengdu.  
Mixed emotions for me, watching this...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=inOq_LG6JqQ&feature=share

[Kris G.]

Video news of Mei Lun and Mei Huan from Chengdu-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7yU7V91eZ-k&feature=youtu.be

[Kris G.]

Panda Cubs-Day 75!

http://youtu.be/sRTzxYQXdnI

[Kris G.]

Voting for the twins names has been posted..100 days naming ceremony is on Dec. 12th!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6JVR2N6

[Carol P.]

Thanks Kris! 

[Kris G.]

The twins have been named Ya Lun and Xi Lun!   

http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/article_content/giant-panda-name-annoucement

[Carol P.]