Panda Updates – Wednesday, July 12

Everything is going great as usual over here in the panda building. The cubs are growing like weeds every day. Ya Lun was 24.05 kilograms yesterday morning, and Xi Lun was right behind her at 21.55 kilograms. There really is not much to report today, so I’d like to take a moment to recognize two important people who have put a lot of time and dedication into our panda program.

We have had the great privilege of having Dr. Daniel Cutler in our vet residency program. During his time with us he has been invaluable all throughout the Zoo, but especially with our panda twins. You may have seen him in a lot of our vet cub checks, and he recently did a #TakeoverTuesday on Zoo social media. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely check it out. Sadly, his residency has come to an end, and he is off to pursue other adventures. We are grateful for all he has brought to the Zoo and wish him luck on his future endeavors.

While we say goodbye to Dr. Dan, we also would like to take a moment to recognize our Assistant Curator of Mammals, Kenn Harwood. Kenn is celebrating his 15 year anniversary at Zoo Atlanta! Kenn’s journey with us began in 2002 when he was hired on as a Mammal Keeper, with pandas being his primary area. He then moved on to become a Swing Keeper, working with our pandas, hoofstock, elephants and carnivores. A few years later he would go on to become the Lead Keeper of Carnivores, and now, our Assistant Curator of Mammals. While he’s now overseeing the care of all of the animals in the Mammal Department, he cannot hide his love for these pandas. He and the bears go way back, almost to their beginning here, and that is something that is incredibly special. Kenn has been around for all of Lun Lun’s seven cubs and was able to escort Xi Lan, Po, Mei Lun and Mei Huan on their journeys to their new home in China. If you’ve been following our pandas for a long time, there’s no doubt that you are familiar with Kenn. We are lucky to have his experience and knowledge. Happy anniversary, Kenn!
Jenny E.
Lead Keeper, Carnivores