Climbing Cubs!How are Mei Lun and Mei Huan? Our giant panda keepers wanted to give Cub Confidential subscribers an update on what goes on behind PandaCam. Jennifer Andrew, Keeper I, has this weekend story:
“Late Sunday night, Mei Lun woke up from a lengthy nap to find that he was the only one awake. He walked around the den for a few minutes before climbing on top of his brother in the nest box. Mei Huan is usually more than willing to be woken up for playtime, but last night it seemed he needed a little extra persuading from Mei Lun. After several minutes of Mei Lun head-butting and crawling all over Mei Huan, he was finally able to wake up his cranky brother.
Mei Lun wasn't discouraged by all of Mei Huan's grumbling and groaning, though. He was very persistent about wanting some playtime. He tried play-biting Mei Huan and when that didn't work, Mei Lun sat on his head! After 10 minutes of nagging, Mei Huan finally obliged. He made sure Mei Lun knew how unhappy he was to be woken up and whined for the first few minutes of the play session, but then I think he got too wrapped up in tackling his brother to mind anymore! The cubs played for several minutes before Mei Lun got distracted by a piece of bamboo and climbed out of the nest box to conquer his new toy. Shortly after that Mei Huan decided to go back to sleep.”
Thanks, Jennifer. Mei Lun and Mei Huan are so playful! Heather Roberts, Keeper III, has also been noticing some cute cub behavior from our boys. She has this to share with Cub Confidential:
“Mei Lun and Mei Huan are starting to show some interest in climbing. Neither has climbed up anything yet (except over the den doorways), but they are starting to sit up on their hind legs while putting their front legs up on something. Giant pandas are expert climbers, and scrambling up a tree is the first instinct for a young panda at any sign of danger. Just like walking, the cubs will have to learn how to climb, but it won't take them long. Before we know it, they will be climbing up on everything!”
Thanks, Heather. We can’t wait to see them both climbing all over their exhibit. Lun Lun will be quite the busy mom!