Zoo Atlanta

Zhu Zhu the giant panda mascot bids farewell to the animals, people, sights, and sounds of his longtime home at Zoo Atlanta before the giant pandas depart for China in mid-October 2024. Visit zooatlanta.org to learn more. #OnlyZooATL https://lnkd.in/gZPnNzKK

ZOO ATLANTA ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE TIMELINE FOR GIANT PANDAS Giant pandas Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun will travel to China in mid-October 2024, in tandem with the expiration of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda agreement with China at the end of that month. Zoo Atlanta is not able to share specifics on the pandas’ departure timeline. However, friends and fans interested in visiting the giant pandas are encouraged to do so within the next three weeks. “While Zoo Atlanta will certainly miss Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun, and their departure is bittersweet, they have created a momentous legacy here in Atlanta and around the world, leaving their mark not only in the hearts of their friends and fans, but on the scientific and zoological communities’ understanding of the behavior, biology, and care of this rare and treasured species,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “It has been our privilege to be able to share this remarkable family with our Members and guests for 25 years.” 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Zoo Atlanta giant panda program. Dating to the mid-1990s, even prior to the arrival of Lun Lun and Yang Yang in 1999, Zoo Atlanta’s partnership with colleagues in China has a longtime history of collaboration and information sharing that has benefited the care, study, and conservation of giant pandas. Since the inception of its giant panda program, Zoo Atlanta has supported the conservation of wild giant pandas and has been in the fortunate position of being able to support giant pandas living in nature reserves. Zoo Atlanta’s conservation support benefits habitat restoration, reserve management, and ranger support, as well as genetic diversity research. The Chinese government has invested a significant amount of human, material, and financial resources to continuously strengthen the restoration and protection of wild giant panda habitat and has gradually established 67 giant panda reserves. In 2021, a habitat protection system with the Giant Panda National Park as the main body was established, further improving the connectivity, coordination and integrity of the giant panda habitat. 72% of wild giant pandas are strictly protected. In addition to conservation support and contributions to the global body of scientific knowledge of giant pandas and their biology and behavior, the Zoo Atlanta panda cooperative conservation program has been notably successful in terms of future contributions to the population of the species. Seven giant pandas have been born at the Zoo since 2006, including two successful pairs of twins. Offspring of Lun Lun and Yang Yang include Mei Lan (born 2006); Xi Lan (born 2008); Po (born 2010); twins Mei Lun and Mei Huan (born 2013); and twins Ya Lun and Xi Lun (born 2016). Mei Lan, Xi Lan, Po, Mei Lun, and Mei Huan already reside at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China and have since all become parents themselves.

Nutella, a Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth at Zoo Atlanta, gave birth to an infant on August 9, 2024. The newborn is the second offspring of Nutella, 7, and male Cocoa, 31. The gestation period for sloths is unusually long for the animal kingdom at 11 to 12 months; however, pregnancies are not easily confirmed. Nutella’s firstborn, Olivia, was born on Father’s Day in 2023. Although sloths are famous for their slow movements, sloth infants develop at a notably more rapid pace than do most other mammal babies. They are born fully furred, with their eyes open and teeth already present, and have fully developed claws for clinging to their mothers. “We are very excited about the birth of Nutella’s infant,” said Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation. “Sloths have so many fascinating adaptations and behaviors that we can share with our Members and guests, and while they are not currently classified as endangered, they have an emerging conservation story that can help us appreciate the impact of human activities on wild animals and ecosystems.” Native to Central and South America, Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths face mounting threats in the wild. In addition to challenges such as habitat loss for illegal logging, hundreds of sloths are electrocuted each year while attempting to use power lines to travel among fragmented forest patches. Based in Costa Rica, the Sloth Conservation Project, which works to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wild sloths impacted by deforestation and power line injuries, is a program that has been supported by Zoo Atlanta’s Conservation Fund. Nutella and Cocoa were recommended to breed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP), which seeks to maintain healthy, genetically diverse, and self-sustaining animal populations in accredited zoos. Lynn Yakubinis, a Lead Keeper at Zoo Atlanta, coordinates AZA-wide SSP programs for both Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths and Linne’s two-toed sloths. Nutella and her infant may be seen daily, weather permitting, in the Zoo’s summer sloth habitat located in the KIDZone. Plan a visit or learn more at zooatlanta.org. #OnlyZooATL (photos: Jodi C.)

Zoo Atlanta is saddened by the news of the passing of our friend and partner in conservation, Dr. Brian Davis, CEO of Georgia Aquarium.   Dr. Davis was a visionary leader – a champion for education, conservation, and partnership. The AZA community will miss his light. Not only did he bring these gifts to the AZA community, but he helped to uplift the importance of Atlanta as a national destination for wildlife education, connections, and more.   Our thoughts are with his family, our colleagues at the Georgia Aquarium, and with the many, many people who were inspired by his leadership.  

Today's Keeper Story from Sam G. covers a HUGE win for a critically endangered species. Check it out, and congratulations to the Bird Team on this monumental hatch! #OnlyZooATL #KeeperStories https://lnkd.in/gYN4zTC8

As we continue to reflect on the legacy of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda program, a major theme that springs to mind is, of course, conservation. A lot has changed for giant pandas on a global scale since Lun Lun and Yang Yang arrived in Atlanta in 1999. Perhaps most notably, in 2016 the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) downgraded the giant panda’s status from Endangered to Vulnerable, in the culmination of decades of dedicated efforts across international borders and cooperative partnerships. However, conservation projects, even successful ones, don’t come with a simple box that can be checked off, and giant pandas are far from out of the proverbial woods. Even as we look ahead to the departure of Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun later this year, we’re proud to reflect on Zoo Atlanta’s contributions to giant panda conservation and our ongoing commitment to the long-term preservation of this species that we hold so near and dear to our hearts. #OnlyZooATL #ZAPandas Full Story: https://lnkd.in/eEfq3nwk

The K9 Unit at Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), a significant conservation partner of Zoo Atlanta, goes the extra mile every day to protect wildlife in Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley – and you can too by sponsoring one of CSL’s working dogs! From Dutch Shepherd Earl, CSL’s longest-serving member of the K9 team, to the two newest recruits, Labradors Ody (pictured) and Cassi, there are five remarkable dogs awaiting sponsorship to support their vital conservation work. We're so proud of this conservation partnership, and we hope you'll check out the link to learn more about how you can help! (photo: Rachel Rebibo) https://lnkd.in/ezwW293j

It’s a momentous year for Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda program. As we anticipate the pandas’ travels to China later this year, we’re also filled with gratitude as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the giant panda program at Zoo Atlanta. This is an extraordinary legacy, not just in the immense joy the pandas have spread over the last quarter-century, but in the incredible progress that’s been made in giant panda conservation efforts. The pandas at Zoo Atlanta have made such an amazing impact, not just on our community here in Atlanta, but for people around the world who have followed Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and their offsprings’ journeys over the years. Let’s take a moment to celebrate this rich history. #OnlyZooATL Full story: https://lnkd.in/erkjFgXJ

Happy Pride Month! As a wildlife conservation organization, we here at Zoo Atlanta are in constant awe of the natural world’s incredible diversity. Our Earth benefits immensely from the unique attributes not just of different species, but of each individual. It takes all types to form the complex webs that not only maintain ecosystems, but allow them to thrive. Humans are no exception, and the full rainbow of human sexual and gender identity is one way our species is able to expand our perspectives and possibilities. This applies to any field, but LGBTQIA+ perspectives are vital in wildlife and conservation sciences, which not only seek methods for preserving the natural world, but ask fundamental questions about the behaviors and social structures found across the animal kingdom. It’s a field that demands we deconstruct our often heteronormative human biases to understand how we can best protect the animals and ecosystems that form the foundation of our work.  It’s more important than ever to celebrate these contributions, so we’re excited to highlight five LGBTQIA+ scientists working hard to push global conservation efforts forward. We hope you’ll read more about their incredible work, this month and beyond! #OnlyZooATL #PrideMonth #Pride Full Story: https://lnkd.in/ejFb6xN2

Following a competitive nationwide search, Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to welcome Gina Ferrie, PhD, to the executive team as Vice President of Collections and Conservation. Dr. Ferrie joins Zoo Atlanta from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where she served most recently as Science Operations Manager. During her more than 16 years at that organization, she also served in the capacities of Research Manager and Population Biologist and Research Associate. Her prior professional zoological career also includes husbandry of both terrestrial and aquatic species. The author or co-author of more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in applied zoo and aquarium science, biology, and conservation journals, Dr. Ferrie brings a passion for applied scientific and evidence-based practices that will enhance animal care, wellbeing, and conservation at Zoo Atlanta. In her new role, she will oversee the Zoo’s Animal Care and Research divisions while leading Zoo Atlanta’s conservation initiatives with an expert, long-term perspective in keeping with the Zoo’s established objectives as outlined in the organization’s Conservation Strategic Plan. “Zoo Atlanta is excited and energized to welcome an innovative, proven leader with a breadth of experience in so many areas that matter integrally to our mission: outstanding animal care, scientific research, and conservation,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “Dr. Ferrie will be a powerful asset as the leader of our world-class Animal Care and Research Teams and will bring invaluable insights to our Senior Leadership Team and to Zoo Atlanta at large as we continue to strive to move our organization forward in mission-based excellence.” Dr. Ferrie has a PhD in Conservation Biology from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Science degree in Conservation Biology from Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Evolutionary and Environmental Biology from Dartmouth College. Her academic teaching experience includes Zoo Biology and Management and Population Management at the University of Central Florida and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Professional Development School. Learn more about Zoo Atlanta’s mission and programs at zooatlanta.org. #OnlyZooATL