This panda cub birth at Zoo Atlanta is the fifth birth in a U.S. zoo within the last six years.  Only an estimated 1,600 to 3,000 giant pandas remain in the wild today, with approximately 200 additional individuals living in captivity. 

After determining the pair was unlikely to successfully breed this year, Zoo Atlanta staff opted to employ artificial insemination (AI).  Specialists from the San Diego Zoo, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (National Zoo), the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine joined veterinary and animal management care staff from Zoo Atlanta in performing the successful procedure.

“This birth is a remarkable achievement for Zoo Atlanta and our partners around the world who supported these efforts,” said Dennis Kelly, Zoo Atlanta President and CEO. “I am particularly proud of both our veterinary and animal management staff.” 

Following the veterinary exam the cub was returned to its mother. Zoo Atlanta veterinary and animal management staff and a keeper from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding will continue to monitor the mother and cub’s progress around the clock. 

Father Yang Yang, who is currently on exhibit, is separated from Lun Lun and the cub and will not be introduced to the cub. This separation is normal in the wild.

The cub will be introduced to Zoo Members and guests in late 2006 or early 2007. Until then, exclusive images of mother and cub may be viewed on monitors at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center.  Audio from the Panda Cam of the mother and cub may also be heard at the exhibit.