Chengdu Research Base Assures Public Atlanta-Based Pandas Stay Healthy

The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base issued a statement on Saturday aimed at allaying public concerns about the health condition of a pair of pandas living at Zoo Atlanta in the United States, saying that the two pandas are in good health and that the research base maintains fluid communication. with the zoo to resolve panda-related issues.

According to the statement posted via the research base’s WeChat account, giant panda enthusiasts were concerned about the physical condition of male panda Yang Yang and female panda Lun Lun following a viral video showing Yang Yang foaming at the mouth, vomiting and suffering from diarrhea. , and even appear unconscious.

When giant pandas engage in strenuous physical activities or move around a lot, they can develop foam around their mouths, which has been cited as a reason by American and Chinese panda experts, the statement said.

The research base also noted that Chinese and American experts confirmed that Yang Yang excreted feces wrapped in mucus formed in his intestinal tract through his mouth, which was misinterpreted as vomiting by panda fans.

Giant pandas’ mucus discharge is caused by mild intestinal discomfort that often accompanies behaviors such as vomiting, squatting, and refusing to eat. However, once they finish passing mucus, they will return to their normal diet without lingering negative effects, he added.

In addition, the Chinese and American teams confirmed that Yang Yang did not faint but was simply lying down to rest.

Regarding Yang Yang’s suffering from “diarrhea”, the Chengdu Research Base explained that the excrement of giant pandas can appear in different shapes and colors depending on the different parts of the bamboo they consume.

Chinese and American researchers have confirmed that the “diarrhea” shown in the video is actually a mixture of feces, bamboo shoots and Yang Yang urine, as giant pandas may have more watery feces and softer stools without solid forms after consuming bamboo shoots and foods with higher moisture content.

The research base dispelled public concerns that pairs of giant pandas are not fed properly, leading them to gnaw the walls of their enclosure, explaining that sniffing, nibbling, rubbing and scratching are common behaviors of pandas. giants when they explore their environment.

Zoo Atlanta prepares a plentiful supply of food and detailed diet plans. Each giant panda is fed more than 40 kilograms of bamboo or bamboo shoots per day. In addition, the zoo also provides small amounts of fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, as well as a designated amount of high-fiber cookies as supplements, following the principle of “small amounts” feeding. several times and coarse before fine”. “.

The Chengdu Research Base noted that Yang Yang and Lun Lun never suffered from hunger while living in the United States.

Yang Yang and Lun Lun were born in Chengdu in 1997 and arrived at Zoo Atlanta on November 5, 1999 on a 10-year loan based on the China-US Cooperative Panda Research Agreement giants, according to a ministry report. Xinhua News Agency. In December 2009, the lease was extended for a further five years based on a renewed agreement by both parties.

According to the zoo’s website, Yang Yang has a cheerful and laid-back personality. A July 2003 news report described Yang Yang chasing peacocks in his enclosure and plucking their feathers, revealing his mischievous nature.

The panda couple gave birth to a total of seven cubs at the zoo, five of which returned to China under the terms of the loan agreement. According to the zoo, the giant panda’s loan is set to expire at the end of 2024. The four pandas currently at the zoo, including Yang Yang, Lun Lun and their descendants Ya Lun and Xi Lun, are expected to return to China this year. year.

The Chengdu research base said arrangements for the return of the giant panda family to China were still underway.