Panda Updates – Wednesday, April 15

Earlier this week, we posted some tips on telling the giant panda twins apart on PandaCam. As a follow-up to that post, here are some tips on identifying the adults! If you need help figuring out how to tell the adult bears apart, here are some things to look out for.

For starters, Yang Yang is larger than Lun Lun. Yang Yang also has a very contoured face or chiseled cheeks and has a permanent “Five O’Clock Shadow.” The Panda Care Team also likes to say that he has “Shrek” ears (which are pretty cute, just sayin’).

Lun Lun has a small, round, fluffy face. You’ll typically see her sprawled out on the hammock in our outdoor habitat, as she loves to take her afternoon naps there. Another difference between the adults is that Yang Yang is very social and loves to solicit attention from us, whereas Lun usually just wants us to provide her with more leafeater biscuits or produce. When Yang Yang is feeling playful, we can fulfill that need by playing our version of “tug-of-war” (through a protective barrier, of course) or playing ”tag” where we run along a fence line or mesh as he runs on his side. As you’ve probably read or seen in recent updates, we have noticed Lun becoming more playful lately too, though! It’s been really awesome to see her playful side show! Anyway, I hope some of these traits help you to identify the adults when you’re tuned into PandaCam! 
Amanda D.
Keeper I, Mammals

(photos by Amanda D.)