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The cubs are growing like weeds! I have been on a mini vacation for the last five days and came back to cubs that looked about the same size-wise, but were definitely a little heavier! I’m trying my hardest to enjoy them while they are “pint-sized” and still really goofy in their coordination. Their current … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, March 8"

Yesterday was my first day working with the pandas in three weeks. I get regular updates from the primary panda keepers about how all of the pandas are doing, but I wasn’t prepared for just how big the girls had grown in that time. Both girls have gained around a kilogram (2.2 pounds) since I … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, March 6"

As you’re walking by the bald eagle habitat, you may notice some new faces nearby. In a new space built behind the eagle, you have the chance to see either our beautiful Toco toucan, Lupe, or our charismatic hooded vulture Baobob. Neither of these birds are new to the Zoo, but typically they live behind … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Thursday, March 2"

Even though the cubs are only just under 6 months old, and weigh around 9 kilograms (give or take, depending on if they’ve gone to the bathroom), they have gotten incredibly strong! We usually have to wake them up after lunch to give them their supplemental formula. This means we have to go and pull … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, March 1"

I think one of my very favorite things about working with animals is the ability to work with individuals throughout all stages of life. Luckily for me, the gorilla area has individuals from 5 months old to 57 years in age, so all life stages are represented! Though each age group is fun to work … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Tuesday, February 28"

The animals at Zoo Atlanta represent so many opportunities for biologists around the world to learn basic information about, well, animals! We get research proposals all the time from researchers, both among our own staff and globally, seeking permission to include the animals in their research. We approve the proposals that are of the greatest … Continue reading "Sun Bear Tongues and Frog Tongues"

How can making sustainable seafood choices save animals? Unsustainable fishing practices are negatively affecting marine habitat and species, such as sharks, sea turtles, dolphins and sea birds. Oceans are vital to sustain life on Earth. Due to their vastness, oceans seem indestructible and their resources limitless. In reality, the ocean is a natural resource which … Continue reading "Conservation – Friday, February 17"

What a busy time! We’re always busy in the Program Animals Department, but we’re especially busy this week getting ready to host an international conference starting on Tuesday! The International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) hosts an annual conference to bring members together to share ideas in how to better provide stewardship for … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Thursday, Feb. 16"

Trying to weigh squirmy cubs is rather difficult.  We offer the cubs supplemental formula three times a day, and weigh the cubs before and after receiving the formula.  When they are sleepy, it’s quite easy to place them in the tub and get an accurate weight. However, later they’re usually quite awake and ready to … Continue reading "Panda Update – Wednesday, Feb. 15"

As any regular reader of keeper stories knows, there is no such thing as a typical day as a zookeeper. There are a multitude of projects, big and small, that take up our time when we aren’t with the animals. Some projects are so large that they require all hands on deck, so the Bird … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Tuesday, February 14"