“Shifting” in zoos and sanctuaries means to move an animal from one enclosure to the next, through a door. Shifting can be done by calling out a word like the animal’s name, a key word, or by positive reinforcement (food or enrichment).

At the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas we shift animals from their indoor enclosure to their outdoor enclosures and vice versa for cleaning, feeding, and to check the pandas for various reasons (such as inspecting potential/healing wounds, to check for signs of ovulation, or urine collection).

At the Breeding Center we have the pleasure (or displeasure) of working with very hormonal female pandas. Unfortunately for the keepers, female pandas at their hormone peak tend to be extremely hard to move because they lose their appetite during estrus. So no need for bamboo shoots and carrots . . . the quote “patience is a virtue” takes on a whole new meaning over here at BFX and this quote has quickly become our mantra during this season’s breeding season! At least one experiment a week is postponed due to female’s not shifting when we need them to.  Fortunately, male pandas are almost always food oriented so shifting them is hardly ever a problem.

–Stephanie Crider