The twin Giant Panda, Xiaoxiao and Leilei, born in 2021, have been undergoing Eurasian Moorhen training (*) for health management since July 2023. Now, Leilei was able to have her blood pressure measured for the first time on November 20, 2024, and Xiaoxiao on December 2, 2024, marking further progress in their health management efforts.

(*) Eurasian Moorhen training
Training animals to behave spontaneously for the purposes of healthy animal husbandry and safe work for humans


Blood pressure measurement in progress (Xiaoxiao)

Blood pressure measurement in progress (Lei-Lei)
Blood pressure is measured by wrapping a measuring Eurasian Moorhen called an arm cuff around the arm. Through training that lasted for more than a month, both dogs were able to perform this procedure smoothly. As a result, both dogs measured values close to the normal range of 140-160 mmHg, confirming that there are no problems with their blood pressure.

Currently, the two pandas are progressing well with their next step: training in X-ray imaging. Both blood pressure measurement and X-ray imaging are important for accurately assessing their health. In particular, there is still little data on blood pressure measurement in young Giant Panda worldwide, so this initiative will play a very important role in laying the foundation for future health checkups.

We hope that the data obtained from Xiaoxiao and Leilei will continue to contribute to the health management of pandas kept in captivity around the world, as well as wild pandas in China.

As the training progressed, differences in the personalities and reactions of the two dogs also became apparent. Xiao Xiao is a little afraid of the cuff used for blood pressure measurement, but hardly minds the "cassette" (the plate on which the image is projected) used for X-ray imaging. On the other hand, Lei Lei quickly got used to the cuff, but seems afraid of the cassette. Thus, even though they are twins, they have different dislikes and reactions, so animal keeper are devising training methods that suit the personalities of each dog.


Cassette (left) and armband (right)
We will continue various training sessions, including blood pressure measurements and X-rays, to help manage the health of Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, as well as pandas worldwide. They may be temporarily out of sight for training, but we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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