Giant Panda Baby

Lun Lun, one of the Giant Pandas at the Atlanta Zoo, has a new baby. This
is cause for rejoicing, for Giant Pandas are an endangered species, with only
about 1,600 in the wilds of China, about 200 in captivity worldwide.

The Giant Panda is a symbol of peace in China, and was once used on flags
to signal surrender. It is also the logo of the World Wide Fund for Nature
(also known as the World Wildlife Fund), an organization dedicated to the
conservation and protection of the world's endangered species.

I have mixed feelings about caged animals being displayed, but sometimes
it is necessary for perpetuation of the species. The less than 2,000 in
their native habitat are fragmented, with little communication between those
in separate areas. This means in-breeding and can cause future generations
to be susceptible to physical defects or disease.

The pair at the Atlanta Zoo are on loan-lease from China. Atlanta pays
$1.1 million annually in lease fees, and about another $1.6 million annually
for the maintenance of Lun Lun and her mate, Yang Yang, who were
brought to Atlanta in 1999 on a 10-year loan program.If the cub survives, it
too will belong to China. and will be returned there in 2 to 3 years. If it
survives, it will be only the 5th to be born and raised successfully in
the U.S.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution has provided a video of this unusual
birth. You may have to register to view it, but registration is free and will
enable you to read articles about the pandas. More videos and articles
about cooperation for education and conservation are available on the
Atlanta Zoo website .

Watching this video, one is struck by the wonderful instinct of this animal.
This was her first time to give birth. She was in labor for 35 hours. Lun Lun
weighs 237 pounds, the cub an estimated 4 ounces. (Zoo releases compare
its size to a stick of butter.) It was born September 6, blind and almost
hairless, but immediately after birth it can be heard squealing loudly. Lun Lun
picks it up, holds it gently in her powerful jaws, and retreats to a corner where
she nurses and cuddles it.

She is being watched around the clock by zoo staff who are ready to take the
baby if necessary, but so far Lun Lun has proven to be an excellent mother.
Let us hope the cub continues to thrive.