The Panda Cub Swap

Everyone at Zoo Atlanta was doubly delighted when their beloved giant panda, Lun Lun, gave birth to twins. But pandas can only take care of one cub at a time. So the zoo formed a plan to share parental duties with Lun Lun—swapping out the cubs every three hours, 24/7, for several months. Their plan was so seamless, Lun Lun was not even aware she had two cubs. Around the world, people watched via the zoo’s Panda Cam as the cubs ate and slept, as their eyes opened up, and as their black and white fur filled in over their fuzzy pink skin. Fans submitted name ideas for the cubs and cheered as the cubs took their first steps. As the cubs grew larger and more independent, excitement grew about their upcoming reunion: would Lun Lun accept them both? Luckily, for Lun Lun, motherhood came naturally.