Panda Updates – Monday, December 17

As Heather mentioned previously, the twins are little bamboo-eating machines! Some of my favorite aspects of my job are the moments when we aren’t in a rush to feed another giant panda or wanting to take advantage of precious project time – moments when we simply sit with the pandas and build/strengthen our relationships while they eat. This usually involves a leafeater biscuit feed as they are always assuming that the presence of a human equates yummy snacks. These bonding moments are especially important with the twins as we encourage them to associate us with positive and calm environments. These moments where we simply hang out with the giant pandas also allow us to observe them for an extended period of time, which in turn allows us to notice potential problems or quirky personality traits. It’s hard not to whip out our cameras and take a quick picture when the sub-adult in front of you is “double-fisting” it with a leafeater biscuit in one paw and a wad of bamboo leaves in the other paw alternating, between taking a bite of bamboo and then biscuit!
Jen W.
Keeper III, Mammals

(Photo by Jen W.)