Panda Updates – Wednesday, November 20

Here at Zoo Atlanta we have two climate-controlled dayrooms and two outdoor habitats that are visible to our guests. In addition to our behind-the-scenes den areas, we also have a behind-the-scenes habitat. This habitat is different from the other two, in that we allow the bamboo and other plants to grow freely in the area. This habitat most closely mimics the giant pandas’ habitats in China, and they are able to harvest their own bamboo while spending time in it. We still provide them with leafeater biscuits and cut bamboo, but often times they will travel into the dense bamboo stand, find a good place to sit, and harvest the bamboo themselves. A lot of people ask us why giant pandas have such strong black-and-white coloring when they live in bamboo forests, and seeing the pandas in a bamboo stand really demonstrates why. Often times, when we need to find the panda in the behind-the-scenes habitat, we just look for shaking bamboo. They blend in so well that the movement is our easiest way to find them. Yang Yang has really been enjoying it, and we will be giving Lun Lun, and then the twins, a chance to enjoy it soon as well!
Danica W.
Keeper II, Mammals