On September 1, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding released a video announcing that giant pandas “He Hua” and “He Ye” will be separated into different enclosures, marking the beginning of their lives as individuals.
Generally, giant pandas transition to adulthood around 4 to 6 years of age, signifying a departure from their sub-adult selves. However, there are differences based on gender and individual traits, with female pandas often reaching maturity a bit earlier.
As they enter adulthood, the effects of estrus and territorial behavior may emerge. Pandas, known for their sometimes fiery temperament, may express this through vocalizations and behaviors such as roaring, chasing, attacking, and patrolling their territory. In captivity, if conflicts occur between pandas living together, it can lead to serious injuries, necessitating their separation.
Recently, “He Ye” has shown signs of growing up. Its weight and strength are approaching those of an adult panda, and it continues to display its playful and lively personality. In contrast, “He Hua” remains relatively slow-moving and gentle. Over time, the two sisters have developed distinct personalities. When they play together, their vigorous activity sometimes raises concerns about potential injuries.
To meet their developmental needs and ensure their safety, each panda will be given its own activity space to accommodate their individual needs. Whether indoors or outdoors, caregivers will closely monitor their interactions, assess emerging behaviors typical for their age, and adjust their care methods accordingly to support their transition to adulthood.
In their natural behavior, giant pandas are solitary animals. While they interact more with companions or their mother during their juvenile or infancy stages to learn necessary skills, their territorial instincts strengthen with age, leading to potential conflicts with other pandas in captivity.
Therefore, separating enclosures at a certain stage is crucial for giant pandas. It helps enhance their independence as they explore their environment, improving their foraging and self-protection skills. Additionally, it contributes to maintaining genetic diversity and improving the adaptability of the population to its environment.
