Panda Updates- Friday, June 3

As panda care specialists, we are frequently asked about the relationship between the twins and how long they will remain together. The answer is as it always has been: We are listening to and observing the animals and letting them tell us if they are still comfortable living together or not. They are of an age where they will experience adult hormones and may start to see each other as competition, so we know at any time, they may decide to go their separate ways. This is a normal part of growing up as a young member of a solitary species, as giant pandas are. At this time, sometimes the twins prefer to spend time away from each other, and we offer them plenty of space to make that choice. Other times they still enjoy sharing the same piece of bamboo or sleeping next to each other. At the end of the day, as panda caretakers, our responsibility is to give the animals as much choice and control over their lives as we are able, and that is what we are doing. We cannot predict what will happen when, but we are prepared for whatever they choose.

(photo: Heather R.)

Heather R.
Senior Keeper, Carnivores