Search Results for: ju

The rate at which Ya Lun and Xi Lun grow and develop is so fun to watch. It seems like even in just the past few days, the girls’ interest in bamboo has doubled. When we say that the girls are starting to investigate bamboo, we are usually referring to the smaller “twigs” that Lun … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, October 4"

As the cubs become more and more interested in biscuits, they also become more motivated to search for biscuits. Usually after cleaning and refreshing Lun Lun’s bamboo, we either scatter her remaining biscuits from that feed throughout the area where she is going to be or we hide them in enrichment devices; that way she … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, September 29"

Hey everyone! I’m McKenzie, and I’m one of our Program Animal Keepers down at the Wieland Wildlife Home. Now that show season is over some of you may wonder what goes on during off-season with all of our program animals. You heard a couple of weeks ago from one of my fellow Program Animal Keepers … Continue reading "On target with chinchilla training"

While we prep for inclement weather at our homes, we also do so at the Zoo. As animal care professionals, one of our number one goals is to keep all the animals under our care safe. Zoo Atlanta has protocols in place for severe weather, whether that be snow (yes, it sometimes snows here in … Continue reading "Caring for primates in inclement weather"

In the mornings when we arrive for the day, we turn on our camera monitors to see what the pandas are doing. If they are asleep, we let them sleep and we find other things to do. If they are awake and wanting food, we go on and begin our day. Most mornings if Lun … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, September 25"

During our day-to-day routine, animal care staff are constantly monitoring the animals to make sure they are healthy. We watch their behavior, how they move, their appetites, bathroom habits, and how they interact with their environment and conspecifics (other individuals that they share space with). Vocalizations are also a big indicator of an animal’s well-being. … Continue reading "Do you speak tiger?"

With the recent bad weather we had from Irma, a lot of people have asked us how we prepared and how we kept the animals safe. In the Bird Department, our preparations began several days before the weather was expected to hit. First, we addressed the birds based on how comfortable we felt about them … Continue reading "Weathering Irma with our feathered friends"

It’s been a while since we talked about the girls’ personalities, so I wanted to share a few quirks that I have noticed about each panda. Ya Lun is a crazy and active cub. She’s built like a little tank, and it’s evident in how she plays. Recently I watched her throw herself off a … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, September 18"

As a member of the Program Animals Department, it is easy to say we are extremely busy all summer long. We put on three wildlife presentations a day when school is out to educate all those who enjoy the Zoo during the summer breaks. But what happens the rest of the year? I have heard … Continue reading "“Off-season” for the Program Animals Team"

Sunday was the twins’ first birthday! The year has flown by! The girls celebrated their birthday just as their older siblings have, with their own treat-filled and colorful ice “cakes.” In addition to the ice cakes, they had some hand-painted boxes with treats inside as well (leafeater biscuits). The girls were mildly interested in the … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, September 6"