Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
The super-popular "Yuan Zai" has become a superstar at the zoo. The Taipei City Zoo said that if the weather is good and there's no rain in the morning, the caretakers will take "Yuan Zai" out to play outdoors, as the cool current temperatures are the giant panda’s favorite. As "Yuan Zai" gradually becomes more active and its steps steadier—having started off only taking slow steps—it can now nimbly climb up and down perches, stand and sniff wood, or climb onto its mother’s big scale. The caretakers have begun introducing playful learning tools tailored to "Yuan Zai’s" developmental progress.
The adorable Yuan Zai happily plays with a rolling drum. (Image source / from the official website of Taipei City Zoo)
The caretakers hung a floating ball on the perch, and the swaying ball caught "Yuan Zai’s" eye—but it still can’t grab it precisely, so it’s not very interested for now. A blue plastic bucket was cut lengthwise and its edges dulled to make a cradle. When "Yuan Zai" first encountered "it," it curiously sniffed around nearby. Before long, driven by immense curiosity, it took steps toward the bucket. The swaying sensation seemed a bit confusing at first, but it quickly figured it out, tumbling inside the plastic bucket and rocking back and forth. Once it had enough fun, it climbed out to look for another activity. Sometimes "Yuan Zai" chases the caretakers and has gradually learned not to naively follow them in circles or take long detours, but instead waits in place for them to come around the wood. "Yuan Zai" also loves its mother’s water bowl. Initially only able to lie beside the bowl and stare, it now occasionally wedges itself inside. Just when you think it might get stuck, "Yuan Zai" gives a strong push and climbs right out.
Yuan Zai is developing healthily and strongly, and can now easily climb up and down the perch. (Image source / from the official website of Taipei City Zoo)
Recently, the caretakers have started letting "Yuan Zai" and its mother "Yuan Yuan" freely enter and exit the indoor and outdoor areas on a regular schedule. "Yuan Yuan," following her usual routine, sniffs and inspects the outdoor enclosure before starting her delicious breakfast, while "Yuan Zai" might be fast asleep indoors after playing too much, waiting for its mother to finish eating and wake it up.
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Taipei City Zoo
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