PANDAS ~ 2011 & 2013

gigi · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2011 6:31 pm

I saw that earlier Mick and I thought "How Sweet!" Both taking their nappies, but not together.

Beth · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2011 6:41 pm

I was watching also...Cute!! Thanks Mick :snowmancarrot:

Monday, January 10 Update...

The cub had an adventure this afternoon that I don’t think he enjoyed that much. While we were cleaning up after the boys' lunch feeding, Lun Lun took her cub into Den 1. He seemed to be fine with this, as Lun was holding and licking him. So, Amy and I went back to cleaning. After we finished, we cleaned out Lun’s den so that she could have some fresh bamboo. Before she went off to eat, she returned the cub to Den 2, but not the nest box. She just laid him on the ground in front of it. Initially, the cub just started to wiggle around, trying to get his feet under him. Though he was not fully successful, I did see him get on all four feet for a split second. As he was not making much progress, he started to vocalize, which got louder and louder until Lun showed up. At first she just sat over him, licking him, which calmed him down (I guess a mother's touch can do that!). Instead of taking him to the nest box, Lun thought about trying out Den 3, though she quickly realized that she would not be able to eat and keep him calm. So, it was back to Den 2 and the nest box this time. After about a minute, Lun left him to go eat, but he was happy and quiet by then.
Joseph T. Svoke
Carnivore Keeper III

gigi · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2011 6:49 pm

Thanks Beth. I wish there were microphones on the cam. It would be so fun to listen in on their "conversations"!

Beth · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2011 7:11 pm

I agree Gigi...AND time stamp :wink:

1/10/11 photo

Mick · **Posted:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 3:44 am

Beth wrote:

I agree Gigi...AND time stamp :wink:

1/10/11 photo

That's a good idea Beth- I'll just add that info when I post a screenshot of that lil' cutie.

catwoman · **Posted:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 12:57 pm

Apparently Lun Lun is getting a bite to eat while the little sweetie sleeps! :flirty:

Beth · **Posted:** Wed Jan 12, 2011 1:49 pm

Thanks Nancy-I haven't seen that view before :ny2:

Wednesday, January 12 Update...

Sunday and Monday the Atlanta area received snow and sleet. Significant accumulation that lasts for more than a day or two is rare in Atlanta and we are coming to grips with the fact that the snow is still here. Because many roads in the metro area are impassable, it has been challenging to ensure that the animal areas are sufficiently staffed and everyone has been working extra hard. But we have enjoyed watching the animals experience the snow. For some of them it is the first time. Others have experienced it before, but not often. The giant panda are built for snow. Their dense, wooly coats and furry paws make them impervious to cold, wet conditions. But no one told Yang Yang that. He will brave the snow briefly, usually if food is involved. However, he clearly prefers to stay dry and relatively warm (the dayroom temperatures have been around 45). Xi Lan is tougher. He enjoys exploring his snow covered enclosure and manages to look comfortable curled up for an outdoor nap. Lun Lun and her new cub will miss the snow this time. Perhaps they will see some later this year or they might have to wait until next year for a snowy adventure.
Rebecca Snyder, PhD
Curator of Mammals

Beth · **Posted:** Wed Jan 12, 2011 2:05 pm

Cute-a-meter over the top---cub exam from 12/30/10 :flirty:

gigi · **Posted:** Wed Jan 12, 2011 2:19 pm

I am not surprised about either Yang Yang's or Xi Lan's reactions to the snow. I would love to see Xi play. The cub exam was cuter than words. He is definitely off the charts on the Cute-O-Meter! Thanks Beth!!

Mick · **Posted:** Thu Jan 13, 2011 11:40 am

Thanks for the link to the video Beth. His fur has gotten just beautiful.

gigi · **Posted:** Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:15 pm

And isn't he just a little pudgy guy!

Beth · **Posted:** Fri Jan 14, 2011 3:25 pm

Friday, January 14 Update...

The cub received his weekly physical exam yesterday as usual. He continues to grow steadily. He now weighs 3.17 kg. His other measurements are: tip of nose to tip of tail: 51 cm.; tail length: 5 cm.; neck girth: 28 cm.; chest girth: 42 cm.; abdominal girth: 42.5 cm.

Later that evening the cub hit somewhat of a new milestone. Lun Lun took him into the den where we typically place her bamboo (adjacent to the nesting den). She nursed him and when she was finished, she set him down by her feet and ate bamboo. However, the cub was unhappy, either because he is unaccustomed to being surrounded by bamboo or because he was still hungry. He vocalized softly until Lun Lun picked him up and tended to him. Then she put him back down to continue eating. Before long, the cub was vocalizing again and Lun Lun picked him up again. This series of events occurred several times until the cub tired and fell asleep on the floor of this unfamiliar space. This is one the first of many experiences in which the cub will have to learn to be comfortable in a new environment.
Heather Baker Roberts
Carnivore Keeper II

Beth · **Posted:** Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:13 pm

Carly, how absolutely adorable (!) :thanku

catwoman · **Posted:** Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:39 pm

Very cute--thanks, Carly!

gigi · **Posted:** Fri Jan 14, 2011 6:04 pm

Thanks for posting the update Beth and the video Carly. That was so special to be able to listen to his little squeaks and peeps! He is adorable!! :flirty: