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As part of our enrichment program, we offer the pandas various scents. Some of their favorites are cinnamon, mint mouthwash, TABASCO® sauce, and pure vanilla extract. Though these are items that humans ingest, the pandas do not put them in their mouths at all. The primary reaction we see from the pandas to scent enrichment … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, April 7"

A legend in his own time, remembered fondly by generations of Atlantans, and an icon of the transformation of Zoo Atlanta, Willie B. the western lowland gorilla lived at the Zoo from 1961 until his passing in 2000 at the age of 42. Born in Africa, he arrived at the Zoo in 1961. He was … Continue reading "Willie B."

Every life at the Zoo is a story worth sharing, but his story was once told so widely and passionately that it ignited a national movement that touched two coasts. From the jungles of Africa to the shores of the Pacific Northwest to The Ford African Rain Forest at Zoo Atlanta, his life has been a symbol of the way animals shape our lives – and the power we have to shape theirs.

Last week I had the honor of presenting a private animal encounter for birthday girl Chrissie Fit of the “Pitch Perfect 3” cast. Just more proof that I have the best job on the planet! It was so much fun. The cast and crew were so friendly and took in the experience with as much … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Thursday, April 6"

A quick special update since we know many of you were wondering about yesterday’s weather in stormy Atlanta! It is an important part of our jobs to monitor the weather closely and make any necessary preparations for the animals and staff. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, we do here what you … Continue reading "Panda Update – Thursday, April 6"

It is amazing how fast time flies, especially as we see our young orangutans grow and develop! I can’t believe it has been almost two years since Keju was born at the Henry Vilas Zoo. Keju’s name means “cheese” in Indonesian, and she was named by the staff at Henry Vilas to honor her Wisconsin … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Tuesday, April 4"

We know the cubs are getting comfortable with each new area when they are able to sleep in that area. Previously, they had some playtime in Dayroom 2, the tepee room, but then when they were ready for a nap, they climbed back into Dayroom 1, the hammock room, and settled down. The other day, … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, April 3"

Meet the Giant Panda Cub Twins of Zoo Atlanta There are four zoos in the United States where you can see giant pandas, but only one where you can see twins. That’s Zoo Atlanta, home to Ya Lun and Xi Lun, adorable giant twin pandas born within an hour of one another in September 2016. … Continue reading "Meet the Giant Panda Cub Twins"

Mulch! If you’ve stopped by our panda viewing and checked out the dayrooms, you might have noticed that the rooms got a bit of a facelift! We added another roughly eight inches of mulch to both dayrooms on Wednesday. The overall thickness of the mulch is around 18 inches (with dirt underneath), and every year … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, March 31"

A favorite annual tradition is back: Watch Taz’s troop hunt for sugar-free Jell-O eggs at 10:30 a.m.!