Panda Updates – Monday, November 23

Lately I’ve been writing about panda-related research: why giant pandas may have their particular black-and-white patterning and how their eye patches may function as a way to identify one another. Today, though, I’d like to focus on another aspect of pandas: it’s a fact – they’re cute! We are professionals on the Panda Care Team, to be sure, but every single time I care for the pandas, we have multiple instances of melting a little (or a lot) at the undeniable cuteness of these animals.

Xi Lun and Ya Lun were enjoying some outdoor time, and Amanda and I went to check on them. We were walking along discussing our plan for the rest of the day like the professionals we are, when BAM — Xi Lun was asleep in a leaf pile and it was unbearably adorable! We couldn’t help but stop and take photos, which we immediately sent to the rest of the Panda Care Team! Later, we were cleaning one of the indoor dayrooms when Lun Lun came over and put her paw on the window to watch us work, and we just HAD to go over and match our hands to her paw on the glass. Who could resist?

I hope you too are able to take time to stop and appreciate all the cuteness in your lives, whatever form it may take! 

Michelle E.
Keeper III, Mammals