Christina Dediego: Swing Keeper II at Zoo Atlanta
Christina is a Swing Keeper in the Mammal Department at Zoo Atlanta, working in the Carnivore, Hoofstock, and Panda areas. She has recently finished training on taking care of the pandas and is now learning about each panda’s specific preferences and personalities. She is excited to take care of them and continue to learn more about each panda at the Zoo.
The giant panda is one of the world’s most beloved animals for a good reason. Not only are they incredibly cute, but they are also a symbol of conservation and a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species. But did you know that there are giant pandas in captivity?
Giant pandas have been kept in captivity since the mid-20th century when China established breeding programs to help protect this endangered species. Today, more than 200 giant pandas live in zoos worldwide. These captive pandas serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts and help educate people about the need to protect their habitat and conserve their species.
In addition to providing a safe home for these animals, zoos offer the opportunity to study them up close. Scientists have learned much about giant pandas from studying them in captivity, including how they interact with each other and their environment. For example, researchers have discovered that giant pandas can recognize themselves in mirrors and even use tools! They also found that these animals can be trained to do simple tasks like opening doors or playing games.
Giant pandas in captivity also benefit from specialized diets that give them all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. In the wild, these bears feed almost exclusively on bamboo. Still, in captivity, they receive a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as specially formulated panda cakes made from grains and vitamins. This helps ensure captive pandas get all the nutrition they need while enjoying some of their favorite foods.
Overall, giant pandas in captivity play an important role in helping us understand more about this unique species and how we can best protect it for future generations. By learning more about these animals through research and observation, we can better equip ourselves with the knowledge needed to ensure that wild populations remain healthy for years.
