Photo credit: Toronto Zoo

Photo credit: Toronto Zoo

Toronto, ON, Thursday, October 15, 2015: The giant panda team continues to closely monitor the two cubs and Er Shun around the clock. With the assistance of two giant panda experts from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China, the team continues to twin-swap the cubs. This not only enables Er Shun to nurse and bond with each cub, but also provides the Zoo's Wildlife Health Centre and Wildlife Care staff with the opportunity to weigh each cub and conduct regular health checks. 

While there has been some weight fluctuations with both cubs, which is very common with newborns, both of them are currently stable. Yesterday, Wednesday, October 14, 2015, the cubs were observed nursing from Er Shun and if the team notices that one or both of the cubs are not suckling from her, the team is able to collect milk from Er Shun and give it to the cubs extremely carefully, by bottle.

We continue to communicate with our colleagues around the globe, who have been fortunate enough to have giant panda cubs, to share insights and best practices.

The Toronto Zoo wants to thank everyone for the ongoing support and encouragement. The next few days and weeks will still be a critical time for these tiny cubs, however we continue to be cautiously hopeful with their progress. We will continue to update you as information becomes available as the team continues to be very focused on the health and wellbeing of the cubs and Er Shun.

Media Information:

Please note, media are not permitted in the maternity area of the Giant Panda Exhibit. Toronto Zoo staff will provide updates, photos and video as they become available.

Toronto Zoo Media Contacts:

Jennifer Tracey, Senior Director of Marketing, Communications and Partnerships
jtracey@torontozoo.ca or #416-669-7074

Cynthia Shipley, Manager of Public Relations and Events
cshipley@torontozoo.ca or #416-258-1760

Amanda Chambers, Supervisor of Public Relations and Events
achambers@torontozoo.caor #647-625-4369.