Back to China & Visiting Zhen Zhen

Meghan and I are back in China to setup and receive training in endocrinology techniques to analyze all of the feces that we have collected. The poop is collected at Bifengxia, but is analyzed at the new Dujiangyan Veterinary facilities. If you are wondering- Does panda poop stink? The answer is no. Given that they digest food (bamboo) so quickly, it pretty much comes out the same as it goes in.

Zhen Zhen & Cub #2

I arrived a few days earlier in order to transfer the feces from Bifengxia. After walking around to see all of the quickly growing cubs, it has become difficult to count how many there are. But, I did manage to sit in on a maternal observation of Zhen Zhen and cub #2 as we are calling her. She looks like a confident and protective mother.

Zhen Zhen Cub #2

If anyone has any questions about certain cubs or proud mothers, don’t hesitate to ask us by sending us a comment. We will be in Dujiangyan until next week, but will then be at Bifengxia.

9 Comments

Frances Aronson on October 15, 2015 at 8:32 pm

Thank you so much–always appreciate pictures of Zhen Zhen and hope we get to see her with her cubs as they grow up!

Nathan on October 15, 2015 at 9:55 pm

I’m just happy to have taken a picture of the correct cub this time. Cheers-

Diana Sutton on October 15, 2015 at 8:47 pm

Thank you for the beautiful photo of Zhen Zhen and #2. Zhennie looks great!!

Nathan on October 15, 2015 at 9:57 pm

They are swapping the cubs out ~every 10 days, so hopefully I can sit in on another maternal observation and catch cub #1.
- Frances Aronson on October 16, 2015 at 2:34 pm
  
  That would be great, Nathan. Do you think they’ll let her care for both of them when they’re a little older?
  - Meg on October 16, 2015 at 4:25 pm
    
    Frances, We’re not sure if they’ll keep them together until they’re a little older. The base has been trying to let the mothers raise cubs for longer periods (more similar to natural conditions) so I’m hoping they keep the twins with Zhen Zhen. We’ll keep everyone updated! Super excited Zhennie is raising both!
    - Frances Aronson on October 16, 2015 at 8:39 pm
      
      I am too, Meg–and I hope we can watch her every step of the way. So happy Nathan has been able to get pictures–keep ’em coming!

Miranda Reinson on October 18, 2015 at 11:18 am

What a good mommy!! I miss all the pandas so much! Hope everything is going well! Tell everyone I said hello!

Miranda

Nathan on October 18, 2015 at 5:59 pm

Hi Miranda. The bears definitely miss your presence. Hope the move and transition back into the US went smoothly for ya. Stay in touch.