Panda Updates – Wednesday, April 4

Spring Break is in full swing at Zoo Atlanta, but the giant pandas are oblivious to that. The only “issues” are the squabbles between a certain pair of subadults. I was speaking with Heather R. the other day, and we were recounting how much bickering Mei Lun and Mei Huan did at this age. We both agreed that while they did have squabbles over bamboo (because the piece your sister has *must* be better than everything else), the current twins seems to squabble and bicker out-loud a little more. The vocalizations are called “whines,” and it’s quite comical to listen to them fighting over a piece of bamboo when surrounded by a half a dozen other pieces! It’s important for them to learn to work their problems out, so unless things get really loud we don’t intervene. Apparently the twins think it’s a tough world out there and it’s every panda for themselves! Ironically, they still insist on sleeping together and eating together regardless of it all. If you ask me, they’re acting like true sisters!

Jen W. 
Keeper III, Mammals