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The illegal wildlife trade, also known as wildlife trafficking, has many faces. Birds and reptiles, including the endangered grey parrot and the critically endangered radiated tortoise, are collected from the wild for the international pet trade. All manner of primates, from ring-tailed lemurs to western lowland gorillas, are hunted for bushmeat. Even the largest land … Continue reading "Not just man’s best friend"

My name is Amanda, and I recently joined the Panda Care Team here at Zoo Atlanta! I started as a Hoofstock Intern in May of last year. Three months later I was given an opportunity to be a Seasonal Hoofstock Keeper. I worked with the giraffes, warthogs, ostriches, zebras and muntjac. After my seasonal position … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, July 22"

All animals’ physical and behavioral traits adjust to make them best suited to their native environments. Animals who live in cold areas have thick fur to keep them warm, and semi-aquatic animals have traits that make them agile and quick swimmers. So, how could a panda’s black-and-white fur pattern possibly help them blend into green … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, July 19"

We’ve officially headed into the heat and humidity of middle summer in Atlanta. This means that animal care teams all over the Zoo are busy ensuring that the animals are staying comfy and cool in addition to our regular responsibilities. But in PandaLand, that means something different for the Panda Care Team. As we move … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, July 17"

Utilizing positive reinforcement training for veterinary behaviors is a huge part of how we are able to provide amazing care for the animals at Zoo Atlanta, as well as enable the animals to participate in their own care. In the giant pandas’ indoor area, there is a mobile but secure space that allows us to … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, July 8"

Monday was a true example of how our days run on the giant pandas’ schedule! Sunday night, they had access to one of the dayrooms as well as a behind-the-scenes den. Come Monday morning, they had made a huge mess of their bamboo, and after eating some fresh bamboo, all they wanted to do was … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, July 5"

A very important part of visiting zoological organizations is to recognize that although the animals in our care are used to the presence of humans, they are in no way, shape or form, domesticated (with the exception of the animal members of our petting zoo). Idgie, as cute as she is and as much as … Continue reading "Panda updates – Friday, June 28"

We often get asked why giant pandas sit the way they do when they eat. When the pandas are kicked back enjoying bamboo, they either look extremely comfortable, or extremely uncomfortable (by human standards). Regardless of how it may appear, the pandas make sure they’re comfortable before they start eating. The reason that giant pandas … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, June 21"

It’s crazy to think that in a few short months Ya Lun and Xi Lun will be 3 years old. They’ve each grown into their big personalities and we are still learning new things about them all the time. Recently, we have been spending time focusing on training with each of them. We have trained … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, June 17"

It is important that the animals here at Zoo Atlanta have positive relationships with all members of their care teams. This is why we put such a strong emphasis on giving the animals choice and control over their days, as well as the option to voluntarily participate in their training. Due to the medical nature … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, June 14"