Above: One of over 130 outstanding baby cat pictures from ZooBorns CATS!, this photograph by Life On White shows Chapu, one of Zoo Madrid's endangered Persian Leopard cubs.
It seems like only yesterday (more specifically, last October) that ZooBorns was announcing the birth of two tiny Giant Panda cubs at Madrid Zoo. Today "Pambassador" Jeroen Jacobs sent us new photos of the troublemaking duo and it appears they have almost outgrown their custom built Panda crib. Between time with mom, feedings with the keepers and rough-housing, cubs "De-De" and "Po" are growing up big and strong.
Back in December we brought you news of Madrid Zoo's Giant Panda cubs and their transition from climate controlled incubator to custom Panda crib. Courtesy of "Pambassador" Jeroen Jacobs, here's another look at the cubs (named De De and Po) as they explore, wrestle, and in the case of Po, harass their sleepy brother. You can learn more about Zoo Madrid's Panda cubs on Jeroen's blog Giant Panda Zoo. While the cubs were safe and sound and/or trouble-making in their crib, mom, Hua Zuiba, was enjoying some personal time outside. Jeroen is one of six Pambassadors sponsored by China to travel to zoos and help document Giant Panda breeding and care. Best job ever?
At nearly three months old, Zoo Madrid's Panda babies are growing steadily. In these pictures, courtesy of Jeroen Jacobs, the cubs are seen settling into their new wooden crib. The cubs' mother, Hua Zuiba spends some of her day outside eating and napping in her favorite tree. In the winter months, it is too cold for her cubs to join her outside. They pass the time safely nestled together, either in their incubator for extra warmth or exploring their spacious new crib. You can learn more about Jeroen's visit to Zoo Madrid at his website GiantPandaZoo.com.
Today the Madrid & Zoo Aquarium unveiled the world's newest and cutest Giant Panda cubs. Born September 7, the cubs originally emerged pink and hairless, weighing just 150 grams (5 ounces). However, after five weeks of incubation, they are now in ridiculously adorable true panda cub form! Mother panda Hua Zui Ba has proven to be attentive, licking her babies to clean them and allowing each cub to take turns nursing. Father Bing Xing has remained aloof, typical father panda behavior. The cubs will live in Madrird for the next three to four years before returning to the panda-homeland of China.
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