TORONTO, ON, Wednesday, July 13, 2016: Our giant panda cubs turn nine months old today! Jia Panpan weighs in at 16.8kg and Jia Yueyue at 13.25kg. As they've gotten older, our panda keepers have been patiently waiting to start a training program with them both, something Er Shun and Da Mao have participated in since they arrived in 2013.
The Toronto Zoo has a very extensive positive reinforcement training program. This voluntary training is very enriching for the animals and greatly enhances the overall care and management. It assists in various veterinary procedures, breeding programs and routine husbandry activities. This was used by Toronto Zoo staff to ultrasound Er Shun on a regular basis to determine her pregnancy! This method uses a food item that is rewarding enough for the pandas to want to participate and stay engaged. Since the cubs were four months old, the keepers have offered them pieces of apple (mom's favourite) however, the cubs didn't take much interest in them. Following the National Zoo's lead with training their cub Bei Bei, the keepers tried small pieces of cooked yam and the cubs loved it!
The panda keepers are thrilled with the cubs’ progress and are amazed by how quickly they are learning. Visit them daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm in the Giant Panda Experience.
Please CLICK HERE for more information on Giant Panda Conservation at the Toronto Zoo.
CURRENT ZOO HOURS:
9:00 am - 7:00 pm daily
Last admission one hour before closing.
The Toronto Zoo is open year round
(except Dec. 25th).
ADMISSION FEES:
General Admission (13-64): $28
Seniors (65+): $23
Children (3-12): $18
Children (2 and under): FREE
Members: FREE
Prices include tax as applicable
Parking is $12 year round
For more information, contact Amanda Chambers at (416) 392-5974.
Events and admission prices subject to change without notice.
For general information visit torontozoo.com.
Toronto Zoo is accredited by CAZA (Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums) and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Look for these logos whenever you visit a Canadian zoo as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. For more information, visit caza.ca and aza.org
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