Panda Updates – Wednesday, December 27

As part of the giant pandas’ animal care team, we are lucky to get to know the pandas on individual levels and observe their unique personality traits. Their individual personalities are one of the many methods used to tell the cubs apart, particularly when they are still very small and look similar. As the cubs have gotten older, physical traits have also come in handy when telling the cubs apart from a distance. In the past, Mei Lun and Mei Huan were differentiated by spots on their noses as well as the dark saddles on their backs. You also may have heard us talk about Xi Lun’s eye patch “swoops” that flare out much more than her sister’s. If you have been following the Zoo Atlanta pandas for a while, then you have most definitely heard someone mention Yang Yang’s radar or Shrek ears. They are one of his most endearing traits (because let’s face it, there are plenty), and are often used by visitors to tell Yang Yang apart from Lun Lun at a distance. While one of his most unique physical traits, keepers have yet to identify it being passed on to any of his offspring. But there is still hope! The cubs are still growing like weeds, and recently we have noticed that Ya Lun might just be sporting her dad’s trademark ears. Fingers crossed that Yang Yang has passed this trait on to Ya Lun and we will have the chance to see a little bit of Yang Yang in his lineage for years to come!
Danica W.
Swing Keeper I, Mammals