From Zoo Atlanta: Its Official. Giant pandas Xi Lan and Po prepare to depart For China Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Giant pandas Xi Lan, age 5, and Po, 3, are on their way to one of the most anticipated milestones in the life of an Atlanta-born panda: a new start in their parents’ homeland. Lun Lun’s and Yang Yang’s second and third sons will depart Atlanta on November 24, 2013, en route to China’s Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. “As stewards of giant pandas here in the U.S., we’re fortunate to be able to observe so many important milestones in the lives of these treasured bears. Bidding them farewell is a bittersweet milestone, but it’s one that’s also very rewarding and exciting,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “We’ve joined friends and fans from around the world in watching Xi Lan and Po grow up at Zoo Atlanta, but they’ll now have an opportunity to make their own individual contributions to the global population of this endangered species.” Xi Lan and Po aren’t the first Atlanta-born pandas to make this landmark transition. Their older brother, Mei Lan, made the voyage to Chengdu in 2010 at the age of 3. Born August 30, 2008, Xi Lan has lived independently since February 2010, and Po, born November 3, 2010, has been on his own since January 2013. Giant pandas are solitary animals, and cubs are weaned and begin living independently at the age of around 18 months. The giant pandas will be accompanied by familiar faces on their travels to their parents’ birthplace. Sam Rivera, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, and Kenn Harwood, Lead Keeper of Carnivores, will travel with Xi Lan and Po and will remain in China for one week. “Xi Lan’s and Po’s welfare is our highest priority, and the Animal Management and Veterinary Teams are committed to ensuring that they have a safe journey and comfortable transition,” said Dwight Lawson, PhD, Deputy Director. “The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a global center for the care of giant pandas, and our colleagues there are some of the world’s foremost specialists dedicated to the understanding and conservation of this species. We’ll certainly miss Xi Lan and Po, but we know they’ll be in expert hands.” Giant panda fans are invited to visit Xi Lan and Po this weekend, with special farewell activities planned for Saturday, November 16, at Panda Veranda at Zoo Atlanta. Guests will have an opportunity to craft well-wishes for the departing duo, and the first 200 visitors to arrive at Panda Veranda will receive a surprise treat. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are free with general admission. Meanwhile, the youngest members of Lun Lun’s and Yang Yang’s family are inching closer to their long-awaited public debut on exhibit with their mother. Now almost 4 months old, twin males Mei Lun and Mei Huan have recently begun walking and will soon be capable of following Lun Lun into their habitat in the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center. Stay tuned for updates on Xi Lan’s and Po’s travels; updates will be posted on zooatlanta.org as they are available. Stay up-to-date on Mei Lun and Mei Huan on PandaCam presented by EarthCam and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+. Subscribe to exclusive email content via Cub Confidential; subscribe here. zooatlanta.org/home/article_content/pandas_xi_po_prepare_to_depart
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 17:35:05 +0000