As previously announced, Ueno Zoo is carefully supporting the growth of Giant Panda Xiang Xiang by gradually increasing the amount of time she spends alone away from her mother, Shin Shin, as she matures (for details on the preparation process and current situation, please click here).


Preparations for Xiang Xiang's independence progressed to Step 3 on December 2nd (Sunday), during which she and her mother were kept together mainly during the day, and separated at night when breastfeeding was more frequent, while their behavior was observed.

As before, Xiang Xiang remained calm during the separation, showed no health problems, and appears to be progressing smoothly with her transition to independence.

Furthermore, while they were living together, Xiang Xiang would follow Shin Shin around, but Shin Shin did not actively engage with her, prioritizing her own foraging, and often not readily accepting or cutting short breastfeeding sessions. It appears that she is no longer prioritizing raising her cub as she once did.

Therefore, we will move from the current Step 3, "Nighttime Separation," to Step 4, "Full-Day Separation." In Step 4, the separation will be completed, and from then on, Xiang Xiang will live separately from Shin Shin.

*As a general rule, you will not be able to see Shin Shin in the morning.
*The placement and timing of the animals' movements may change depending on their condition.

(December 7, 2018)