The playful little panda cub is thrilled with its new toy — a water bucket that rocks back and forth, making it super happy.

Caretakers hang floating balls from the perch, and the swaying spheres catch "Yuan Zai’s" eye — though it can’t yet grab them precisely, so it’s not too interested for now. A blue plastic bucket, cut lengthwise and with dulled edges to make a rocker, was a new encounter. At first, "Yuan Zai" curiously sniffed around it, then quickly gathered curiosity and stepped inside. The swaying sensation seemed a bit confusing at first, but it soon got the hang of it, tumbling right into the plastic bucket and rocking back and forth. After having enough fun, it would climb out to find other amusements. Sometimes "Yuan Zai" chases the caretakers, and it's gradually learning not to blindly follow in circles or take long detours, but instead waits in place for the caretaker to pass by the wooden structure. "Yuan Zai" also loves its mother’s water bowl. What used to be just lying beside the bowl hoping for a sip has now turned into occasionally squeezing itself inside — when it seems like it might get stuck, "Yuan Zai" gives a strong push and climbs right out.

In recent days, caretakers have started allowing "Yuan Zai" and its mother "Yuan Yuan" to freely enter and exit the indoor and outdoor enclosures at scheduled times. Following routine, "Yuan Yuan" will first sniff and inspect the outdoor area before starting her delicious breakfast, while "Yuan Zai" might be fast asleep indoors after playing, waiting for its mother to finish eating and wake it up.

 

 

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Taipei City Zoo

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