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A couple of weeks ago I had the distinct pleasure and honor of being an instructor for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Amphibian Taxon Advisory Group’s (say THAT 10 times fast) Amphibian Biology and Captive Management Course (aka Amphibian School) hosted at Detroit Zoological Society’s National Amphibian Conservation Center (affectionately called the NACC). … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Thursday, March 16"

Months ago in our nursery updates, you may remember us writing to you all about how we would sometimes do biscuit feeds with Lun Lun in order to encourage her to eat more bamboo. While biscuits are an important part of her balanced diet, they are viewed as a supplement, whereas bamboo is her primary … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, March 15"

“Climate change poses a fundamental threat to everything we love. Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and new and more frequent weather extremes will leave no continent untouched. Impacts are already being felt by many communities and ecosystems worldwide. Water supplies are shrinking, crop yields are dropping, forests are burning, and our oceans are becoming more … Continue reading "Conservation – Wednesday, March 15"

Hey there, readers! I hope you’re staying warm during this cold week! Today, I thought I’d answer one of the most popular questions I get from you guys: What do you do to help keep the animals from getting bored? This is one of my favorite questions to answer because it allows me to talk … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Tuesday, March 14"

The cubs are becoming expert climbers. They are still a bit awkward about it, but as soon as they go in the dayrooms now, they shoot up the structures. And now the playpen is nothing to them! Both cubs have successfully climbed out of the playpen and are usually waiting for us on top of … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, March 13"

I know I wrote about Xi Lun coming in last week on her own, but she is doing so well at coming in when called, I have to brag about her again. Typically, at 6 months old, panda cubs are content to stay where they are (usually up high) and sleep the day away. But, … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, March 10"

I’m going to veer off animals for just a moment and talk about your second favorite subject, zookeepers! After looking at my own experience and talking to other keepers and interns, I have come to the conclusion that becoming a zookeeper has similar stages as a person deciding what they want to be when they … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Thursday, March 9"

Ya Lun and Xi Lun the Giant panda twins have reached a new milestone: all-day play in their dayroom habitat. The only giant panda twins in the U.S., Ya Lun and Xi Lun, were 6 months old on March 3, 2017, and the duo has reached a new milestone: all-day play in their dayroom habitat … Continue reading "Ya Lun and Xi Lun reach new milestone"

Okay, it used to be simple for us biology nerds to distinguish “poisonous” organisms from “venomous” organisms. In lectures, I always boil it down the basic distinction of “whom is biting/stinging whom?” In other words, if you put it in your mouth or on your skin, and you get sick, then you have encountered a … Continue reading "Venomous or Poisonous? "

The cubs are growing like weeds! I have been on a mini vacation for the last five days and came back to cubs that looked about the same size-wise, but were definitely a little heavier! I’m trying my hardest to enjoy them while they are “pint-sized” and still really goofy in their coordination. Their current … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, March 8"