The Next Few Weeks Will be the Last Time Mother and Cub are Together

ATLANTA – February 11, 2008 – Zoo Atlanta animal management staff announced today that Mei Lan, giant panda cub born on September 6, 2006, will begin the weaning process from mother, Lun Lun. “Mei Lan will be 18 months old on March 6, 2008, which is the normal weaning age for cubs in the wild,” said Zoo Atlanta Curator of Carnivores, Dr. Rebecca Snyder.

Zoo Atlanta animal care staff will use a stepwise process of gradual weaning, which includes increasing the amount of time mother and cub are separated over a period of several days. The same process was used to wean giant panda cubs at the San Diego Zoo and National Zoo. The weaning process for Mei Lan will begin on Thursday, February 21, 2008, and is expected to end Friday, March 7, 2008. Mei Lan is already eating bamboo, leaf eater biscuits and fruit in addition to nursing from her mother. According to data from other institutions, weaning at 18 months will allow Mei Lan to make a healthy transition from her mother’s milk to solid foods alone.

During the weaning process Mei Lan and Lun Lun will most likely vocalize (mainly bleating), spend time walking, and climbing in response to the separation. “Lun Lun will most likely show a reduction in these behaviors sooner than Mei Lan. That has been the case for giant panda mothers at other institutions “said Snyder.

After the weaning process is complete Mei Lan, Lun Lun and Yang Yang will be located in separate giant panda exhibits. It is highly likely that Lun Lun will experience her annual estrus in late April or early May which is normal giant panda breeding season.

“We are committed to doing what’s in the best interest of the animals. San Diego Zoo and National Zoo have gone through this process with great success. I am confident that the Zoo Atlanta animal care staff will work tirelessly to ensure the weaning process for Mei Lan and Lun Lun is done with the best care and management, “said Dennis Kelly, Zoo Atlanta President and CEO.

During the weaning process Mei Lan and Lun Lun will be on exhibit most of the time. Staff will be monitoring both animals’ responses and may move them to off exhibit areas if needed.

Why is Mei Lan being weaned from Lun Lun?

• On March 7, 2008, Mei Lan will be 18 months old. 18 months is the normal weaning age for cubs in the wild. Giant panda cubs at San Diego Zoo and National Zoo were also weaned at 18 months.

What will Mei Lan eat after she is weaned?

• Mei Lan will eat the same diet as her parents: bamboo, leafeater biscuits and fruit. She is already eating these foods in addition to drinking her mother’s milk.
• Weaning at 18 months allows a cub to make a healthy transition onto a diet of bamboo, leafeater biscuit and fruit without the need to provide milk based supplements.

What happens during the weaning process?

• Zoo Atlanta will be using a stepwise weaning process developed by San Diego Zoo. Stepwise weaning is a gradual process that increases the amount of time mother and cub are separated over a period of two weeks.
• The stepwise weaning process also reduces stress in mother and cub and tries to simulate how weaning is believed to occur in the wild.

Will Mei Lan or Lun Lun resist the weaning process?

• During separation, both mother and cub will likely vocalize (mainly bleating), spend time walking, pacing, climbing and focus attention at exhibit doors.
• Lun Lun will most likely show a reduction in these behaviors sooner than Mei Lan.

How long will it take for Mei Lan and Lun Lun to be completely separated?

• Approximately, two weeks
• The weaning process will begin on February 21, 2008 and will be complete by March 7, 2008.

After Mei Lan and Lun Lun are completely separated, what will I see next time I visit Zoo Atlanta?

• Mei Lan, Lun Lun and Yang Yang in three separate panda exhibits.

After Mei Lan and Lun Lun are completely separated will Lun Lun cycle again?

• We expect Lun Lun to experience estrus in late April or early May of 2008.

Will Mei Lan and Lun Lun ever be together again?

• No