Panda Cub Love Bites Zookeeper. Result: Injury

4 years ago Nature

Tai Shan, the panda cub born to much fanfare in Washington, DC three years ago, apparently has decided that bamboo is not enough, and that his diet should be supplemented by zookeeper.

Tain ShanPhoto:

Tai Shan, who weighs nearly 170 pounds, was in another area of the habitat -- keepers stopped sharing space with the cub once it weighed 70 pounds-- but the doors were unsecured, allowing Tai Shan back into the company of the keeper and the food. Sneaking up behind the worker, the panda, who has a playful personality, and was giving what has been characterized as 'love bites', drew blood with the exceptionally sharp teeth normally used for bamboo. The keeper was fortunately able to radio for help, and other staff members distracted the cub with food while the injured staffer was carried out.

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Old Comments

Elanore Seeta says

Jul 7th, 2008 at 12am
It's a pity that Tai Shan is all by himself for now and is not allowed to interact with his mum or people. I wish he will be found a mate or a companion panda. That said I am a huge Tai Shan fan and can't wait to see him personally when I visit the zoo and I also hope to get to touch him even just a few seconds.

sanne says

Apr 1st, 2008 at 12am
hi, i love panda bears (L)

Steve N Lee says

Mar 22nd, 2008 at 12am
When I was a little kid, like many other toddlers, I had a panda cuddly toy. I think because of this icon of childhood, plus its colouring, the panda is often thought of as something cute that you could snuggle up to on a cold night - we completely forget they are bears! That said, it is heartwarming in one respect that Tai Shan went in seek of his 'friend' the zoo keeper. On the otherhand, it's upsetting that he had to, that he doesn't have the company of other pandas to sate his need for companionship. If I was the zookeeper, I'd be proud of my 'love bite'. Not many people get to interact with such wondrous creatures. Steve N. Lee eco-blog http://www.lionsledbysheep.com