Nǐhǎo! Today, I would like to provide an update on Su Shan and her cub. We’re sad to report that at around the one month mark, much to the dismay of the keepers and vets at Bifengxia, Su Shan rejected her cub. This was Su Shan’s first cub, and although it is not uncommon for this to occur, everyone at Bifengxia was surprised nonetheless. Working together, the keepers and vets did everything in their power to coerce Su Shan to care for her cub but were unsuccessful. Knowing how important it is for a cub to have a mother, an alternative solution was presented – a foster mother.

It was decided that Yang Hua was a suitable mother to foster Su Shan’s cub, and so keepers prepared to introduce the two. The idea was that the situation would be handled much like a twin swap. First, Yang Hua’s cub was taken to the panda nursery.

Yang Hua’s cub being transferred to the nursery in preparation to introduce Su Shan’s cub.

After preparations were complete, keepers introduced the cub to Yang Hua and monitored their interactions carefully to ensure the safety of both the cub and foster mom.

Su Shan’s cub prior to preparations.

Prepping Su Shan’s cub with scent from Yang Hua’s cub.

Don’t want to miss any spots!

To everyone’s relief, and jubilation, Yang Hua accepted the cub as her own!

Yang Hua successfully accepted Su Shan’s cub as her own!

Yang Hua was loving and gentle! Yay!

Su Shan’s baby looks happy with her new mommy with a full belly after successfully nursing!

-Sofy