(ARA) - A second dog may be hard to resist for many pet parents, especially if having their first dog was a positive experience. However, many families underestimate the responsibility of caring for two dogs and the impact adding a new pet can have on a first dog.
Without proper planning and consideration, adding a second pet can result in a difficult household transition, and can lead to unforeseen conflicts between your two canine companions. Before you consider a second pet addition, take the time to ask the following questions:
* Is your dog bored? A second companion may not be the right solution as boredom in dogs is often related to lack of attention and exercise. If you don't have the time to provide adequate training and attention for your first dog, chances are you won't have the time for another.
* Has your dog been socialized with others? Consider how well your dog reacts to other dogs. If your dog shows aggression or extreme shyness in a social situation, a second dog might not be the best idea.
* Are you looking to rejuvenate your older dog? Adopting a younger dog or puppy can increase the activity levels in an older dog that is becoming more sedentary with age, as long as the older dog is not aggressive or territorial.
"When I brought home my second puppy, I was ill-prepared for the changes it would create for my older dog, who was surprisingly tentative around the new one," says Eric Kardesh, pet parent of Edy, a 2-year-old Vizla and Greenley, a 4-year-old miniature pinscher. "Looking back, I wish I would have done my research on ways to prepare Greenley, my first dog, for the new puppy to come, and socialized her around other dogs beforehand."
To make the transition of adding a second dog a positive experience, pet parents should consider the following tips to ensure a smooth homecoming for all family members.
* Research the breed you are thinking of adopting and be sure you can accommodate the size and activity level.
* Be sure your first dog has been socialized with other pets before considering another pet. If you know your current pet does not get along with other dogs, think twice about getting another, which could create an unsafe situation for everyone.
* Make sure you are adding a pet for the right reasons. Remember, adding a new pet to the one you have will double your responsibilities and costs for everything from food and toys to vet visits and grooming.
* Take into account the daily activities that take you away from home. A busy schedule will make it seem difficult to provide the adequate amount of care and attention a new puppy needs. Pet owners who have grown accustomed to an older dog with fewer demands can easily overlook the new responsibility of a puppy.
* Pheromone products that have a calming effect such as Comfort Zone with D.A.P (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) can help ease a dog's transition to a new home and help your current dog deal with the new addition to the family.
* Consider purchasing two separate crates for your dogs. These can be valuable socialization and training tools that allow your current pet and new puppy to become more familiar with one another safely, while remaining in two separate environments.
Pet parents looking for additional tips and advice can visit www.petcomfortzone.com/newpuppy.
Courtesy of ARA content
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Monday, December 15, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Don't Leave Your Dog Chained Up
(NAPSI)-Chaining a dog in the backyard used to be the norm for keeping dogs but it's not anymore. People now realize that continuously chaining a dog is inhumane and dangerous. Here are some frequently asked questions about chaining and tethering dogs:
Q. Is there a problem with continuous chaining or tethering?
A. Yes, the practice is both inhumane and a threat to the safety of the dog.
Q. Why is tethering dogs inhumane?
A. Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals. A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive.
Q. What are communities doing to correct the problem of tethering dogs?
A. More than 100 communities in more than 30 states have passed laws that regulate the practice of tethering animals. Maumelle, Ark., and Tucson, Ariz., completely prohibit the unattended tethering of dogs. Many other communities only allow tethering for limited periods of time or during certain conditions. Orange County, Fla., for example, does not allow tethering between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or during times of extreme weather.
Q. Who says tethering dogs is inhumane?
A. In addition to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and numerous animal experts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a statement against tethering: "Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane."
Help Chained Dogs
To help chained dogs, the HSUS suggests you download or request a free copy of "A Dog's Life: Chaining and Your Community," a step-by-step guide on how to pass an anti-chaining ordinance.
To learn more, visit www.humanesociety.org/chaining.
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Q. Is there a problem with continuous chaining or tethering?
A. Yes, the practice is both inhumane and a threat to the safety of the dog.
Q. Why is tethering dogs inhumane?
A. Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals. A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive.
Q. What are communities doing to correct the problem of tethering dogs?
A. More than 100 communities in more than 30 states have passed laws that regulate the practice of tethering animals. Maumelle, Ark., and Tucson, Ariz., completely prohibit the unattended tethering of dogs. Many other communities only allow tethering for limited periods of time or during certain conditions. Orange County, Fla., for example, does not allow tethering between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or during times of extreme weather.
Q. Who says tethering dogs is inhumane?
A. In addition to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and numerous animal experts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a statement against tethering: "Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane."
Help Chained Dogs
To help chained dogs, the HSUS suggests you download or request a free copy of "A Dog's Life: Chaining and Your Community," a step-by-step guide on how to pass an anti-chaining ordinance.
To learn more, visit www.humanesociety.org/chaining.
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Friday, December 12, 2008
States Pass Record Number of Animal Protection Laws in 2008
The year 2008 was an historic year for animals in state lawmaking. The Humane Society of the United States worked on a wide range of animal protection policy reforms, such as increasing penalties to crack down on animal fighting, making meaningful progress on combating puppy mills and prohibiting the inhumane confinement of farm animals. The nation's largest animal protection organization ushered in a whole new era of policies for animals by helping to pass 91 new animal protection laws this year, surpassing the previous record number of 86 new laws enacted in 2007.
"We commend state lawmakers for passing this raft of legislation to protect animals from cruelty and abuse," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of the United States. "The anti-cruelty laws of a state are a reflection of our basic values and attitudes toward animals, and this record year and collection of bills represent a measurable step forward for animals all across the country." While there were many successes around the country, The Humane Society of the United States offers up its list of the 12 most significant victories of the year:
California: Proposition 2
The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, known as Prop. 2, is widely regarded as the most ambitious ballot measure for animals ever undertaken in the United States. And on Nov. 4, 63.5 percent of California voters approved this measure to halt the practice of confining veal calves, egg-laying hens and breeding pigs in crates and cages so small the animals can barely move.
Colorado: Farm Animal Welfare
The HSUS negotiated with leaders in Colorado's animal agriculture industry and key lawmakers to improve the lives of farm animals. As a result, Colorado became the first state to ban both the use of both veal crates and gestation crates through its state legislature.
Delaware: Fur Labeling
Delaware became the fourth state in the nation to require the labeling of garments containing animal fur. An investigation by The HSUS found that unlabeled jackets were falsely advertised and sold as faux fur, even though testing revealed that the garments actually contained real fur from raccoon dogs and other animals.
Georgia: Dogfighting
In the aftermath of the Michael Vick case, more than 25 states considered legislation in 2008 to crack down on animal fighting. Until this year, Georgia was ranked as having one of the worst dogfighting laws in the country. But state lawmakers worked to close gaps in the law by banning the possession of a dog with the intent to fight, and making it a crime to be a spectator at a dogfight. The HSUS now places Georgia among the states with the strongest dogfighting laws.
Idaho: Dogfighting
In February, animal advocates celebrated another victory when Idaho became the 49th state to make dogfighting a felony.
Louisiana: Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are breeding facilities that treat dogs like cash crops and typically house dogs in squalid and overcrowded conditions. One of our biggest legislative victories against this industry was in Louisiana, where the legislature passed precedent-setting legislation that placed an actual limit on the number of dogs kept by breeders, in order to prevent the operation of factory farm type breeding facilities. With this new law, breeding operations are now limited to no more than 75 adult dogs.
Massachusetts: Question 3
Last month, Massachusetts voters approved Question 3 to phase out the greyhound racing industry. At these tracks, thousands of greyhounds are forced to compete every year and endure regular confinement, kept in small cages barely large enough to stand up or turn around for 20 or more hours per day. It's expected that this sweeping victory will speed up the demise of this industry, and will also send a message to other states that dogs deserve better.
Pennsylvania: Puppy Mills
Notoriously known as the "Puppy Mill Capital of the East," the Keystone State has been tarnished with the reputation of being one of the worst puppy mill states in the nation. National television coverage highlighted the horrific conditions in the Commonwealth's puppy mills. But with efforts spearheaded by Gov. Ed Rendell, the state legislature took a strong stance against this abusive industry and passed a bill that should significantly improve the lives of thousands of dogs in Pennsylvania, and took a strong stance against this abusive industry.
Utah: Felony Cruelty
After a multi-year effort by animal protection groups, veterinarians, prosecutors and others, Utah became the 44th state with felony-level animal cruelty penalties. After hammering out a compromise bill, the legislature made the torture of a dog or cat a felony on the first offense. We look forward to working with lawmakers in Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota and South Dakota to get felony animal cruelty laws on the books across the United States.
Virginia: Animal Fighting and Puppy Mills
We toughened the Commonwealth's previously anemic animal fighting laws, turning it into one of the nation's hardest-hitting laws against cockfighting and dogfighting. Until this year, The HSUS rated Virginia's anti-cockfighting law as the second-worst in the nation — in fact, cockfighting was legal as long as the activity involved no gambling.
An HSUS investigation in 2007 revealed that Virginia had a serious puppy mill problem, with approximately 1,000 unlicensed breeders in Virginia selling dogs commercially. Virginia lawmakers addressed this serious problem in 2008 by becoming the first state in the nation to limit the size of puppy mills by making it illegal to maintain more than 50 dogs over the age of one year in one location.
Wyoming: Dogfighting
After Idaho its new dogfighting law in February, Wyoming was the only state without felony penalties for dogfighting. But in March, lawmakers in the Equality State ushered in a new era for animal protection by making this cruel blood sport a felony nationwide.
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"We commend state lawmakers for passing this raft of legislation to protect animals from cruelty and abuse," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of the United States. "The anti-cruelty laws of a state are a reflection of our basic values and attitudes toward animals, and this record year and collection of bills represent a measurable step forward for animals all across the country." While there were many successes around the country, The Humane Society of the United States offers up its list of the 12 most significant victories of the year:
California: Proposition 2
The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, known as Prop. 2, is widely regarded as the most ambitious ballot measure for animals ever undertaken in the United States. And on Nov. 4, 63.5 percent of California voters approved this measure to halt the practice of confining veal calves, egg-laying hens and breeding pigs in crates and cages so small the animals can barely move.
Colorado: Farm Animal Welfare
The HSUS negotiated with leaders in Colorado's animal agriculture industry and key lawmakers to improve the lives of farm animals. As a result, Colorado became the first state to ban both the use of both veal crates and gestation crates through its state legislature.
Delaware: Fur Labeling
Delaware became the fourth state in the nation to require the labeling of garments containing animal fur. An investigation by The HSUS found that unlabeled jackets were falsely advertised and sold as faux fur, even though testing revealed that the garments actually contained real fur from raccoon dogs and other animals.
Georgia: Dogfighting
In the aftermath of the Michael Vick case, more than 25 states considered legislation in 2008 to crack down on animal fighting. Until this year, Georgia was ranked as having one of the worst dogfighting laws in the country. But state lawmakers worked to close gaps in the law by banning the possession of a dog with the intent to fight, and making it a crime to be a spectator at a dogfight. The HSUS now places Georgia among the states with the strongest dogfighting laws.
Idaho: Dogfighting
In February, animal advocates celebrated another victory when Idaho became the 49th state to make dogfighting a felony.
Louisiana: Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are breeding facilities that treat dogs like cash crops and typically house dogs in squalid and overcrowded conditions. One of our biggest legislative victories against this industry was in Louisiana, where the legislature passed precedent-setting legislation that placed an actual limit on the number of dogs kept by breeders, in order to prevent the operation of factory farm type breeding facilities. With this new law, breeding operations are now limited to no more than 75 adult dogs.
Massachusetts: Question 3
Last month, Massachusetts voters approved Question 3 to phase out the greyhound racing industry. At these tracks, thousands of greyhounds are forced to compete every year and endure regular confinement, kept in small cages barely large enough to stand up or turn around for 20 or more hours per day. It's expected that this sweeping victory will speed up the demise of this industry, and will also send a message to other states that dogs deserve better.
Pennsylvania: Puppy Mills
Notoriously known as the "Puppy Mill Capital of the East," the Keystone State has been tarnished with the reputation of being one of the worst puppy mill states in the nation. National television coverage highlighted the horrific conditions in the Commonwealth's puppy mills. But with efforts spearheaded by Gov. Ed Rendell, the state legislature took a strong stance against this abusive industry and passed a bill that should significantly improve the lives of thousands of dogs in Pennsylvania, and took a strong stance against this abusive industry.
Utah: Felony Cruelty
After a multi-year effort by animal protection groups, veterinarians, prosecutors and others, Utah became the 44th state with felony-level animal cruelty penalties. After hammering out a compromise bill, the legislature made the torture of a dog or cat a felony on the first offense. We look forward to working with lawmakers in Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota and South Dakota to get felony animal cruelty laws on the books across the United States.
Virginia: Animal Fighting and Puppy Mills
We toughened the Commonwealth's previously anemic animal fighting laws, turning it into one of the nation's hardest-hitting laws against cockfighting and dogfighting. Until this year, The HSUS rated Virginia's anti-cockfighting law as the second-worst in the nation — in fact, cockfighting was legal as long as the activity involved no gambling.
An HSUS investigation in 2007 revealed that Virginia had a serious puppy mill problem, with approximately 1,000 unlicensed breeders in Virginia selling dogs commercially. Virginia lawmakers addressed this serious problem in 2008 by becoming the first state in the nation to limit the size of puppy mills by making it illegal to maintain more than 50 dogs over the age of one year in one location.
Wyoming: Dogfighting
After Idaho its new dogfighting law in February, Wyoming was the only state without felony penalties for dogfighting. But in March, lawmakers in the Equality State ushered in a new era for animal protection by making this cruel blood sport a felony nationwide.
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Thursday, December 11, 2008
Holiday Wishes Go Wild at Zoo Atlanta
The season’s wildest holiday wishers don’t want iPhones, don’t own a Wii, and don’t have the slightest use for the latest in cutting-edge digital must-haves. Boomer balls, puzzle feeders, ribbons, bells and mirrors are much more their thing. Where the clientele is wild, so is the wish list, and with the return of Zoo Atlanta’s annual Giving Tree program, secret Santas and animal lovers across the city have the opportunity to provide surprises for over 850 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Originally conceived as a means of allowing Zoo staff, Members and Volunteers to contribute holiday gifts for their favorite animals, Zoo Atlanta’s Giving Tree has expanded considerably in recent years. Located in the Zoo’s Administration Building, the tree is decorated to the hilt with handmade ornaments bearing images and descriptions of enrichment items for Zoo residents. Diverse in shape, size, use and cost (Giving Tree options are created to suit any personal budget, with the least expensive beginning at around $3), each wish list item has been selected with the sole intent of generating the interest, curiosity, play and enjoyment of a particular Zoo animal or species.
In the Zoo industry, the term “enrichment” refers to objects, activities or opportunities that encourage natural animal behaviors similar to those observed in the wild. Toys, puzzle feeders and novel foods, scents or sounds are all examples of items or experiences offered to spark animal interest and promote physical and emotional well-being. All of Zoo Atlanta’s animals enjoy enrichment on a daily basis through a comprehensive program managed by their animal management teams. Consistently unusual, always creative and often ingenious, these regular labors of love by the Zoo’s animal care professionals include swings made of fire hose for great apes; non-toxic paints for animal artists; and even hand-crafted faux “birds’ nests” for the World of Reptiles’ black mamba. Enrichment, in turn, enriches observers: Zoo guests enjoy unique insights into animal behavior, cognition and problem-solving.
Members of the community interested in contributing to the 2008 Giving Tree program are encouraged to visit zooatlanta.org for details and a complete wish list of items. Guests may also visit the Giving Tree in the Zoo Atlanta Administration Building to select ornaments or drop off items on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those purchasing wish list gifts online are asked to arrange delivery directly to Zoo Atlanta at the following address: Zoo Atlanta; Attention: Jodi Carrigan/Giving Tree Program; 800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E., Atlanta GA 30315. Giving Tree donations will be accepted through December 31, 2008.
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Originally conceived as a means of allowing Zoo staff, Members and Volunteers to contribute holiday gifts for their favorite animals, Zoo Atlanta’s Giving Tree has expanded considerably in recent years. Located in the Zoo’s Administration Building, the tree is decorated to the hilt with handmade ornaments bearing images and descriptions of enrichment items for Zoo residents. Diverse in shape, size, use and cost (Giving Tree options are created to suit any personal budget, with the least expensive beginning at around $3), each wish list item has been selected with the sole intent of generating the interest, curiosity, play and enjoyment of a particular Zoo animal or species.
In the Zoo industry, the term “enrichment” refers to objects, activities or opportunities that encourage natural animal behaviors similar to those observed in the wild. Toys, puzzle feeders and novel foods, scents or sounds are all examples of items or experiences offered to spark animal interest and promote physical and emotional well-being. All of Zoo Atlanta’s animals enjoy enrichment on a daily basis through a comprehensive program managed by their animal management teams. Consistently unusual, always creative and often ingenious, these regular labors of love by the Zoo’s animal care professionals include swings made of fire hose for great apes; non-toxic paints for animal artists; and even hand-crafted faux “birds’ nests” for the World of Reptiles’ black mamba. Enrichment, in turn, enriches observers: Zoo guests enjoy unique insights into animal behavior, cognition and problem-solving.
Members of the community interested in contributing to the 2008 Giving Tree program are encouraged to visit zooatlanta.org for details and a complete wish list of items. Guests may also visit the Giving Tree in the Zoo Atlanta Administration Building to select ornaments or drop off items on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those purchasing wish list gifts online are asked to arrange delivery directly to Zoo Atlanta at the following address: Zoo Atlanta; Attention: Jodi Carrigan/Giving Tree Program; 800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E., Atlanta GA 30315. Giving Tree donations will be accepted through December 31, 2008.
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Australian Company Recalls Chicken Strips After Dogs Fall Ill
By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
An Australia company has recalled some of its Chinese-made chicken strips because the treats may cause illnesses in small dogs. And those illnesses sound similar to the ones dogs and cats have experienced after eating Nutro food, according to a regular ConsumerAffairs.com reader.....More
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ConsumerAffairs.com
An Australia company has recalled some of its Chinese-made chicken strips because the treats may cause illnesses in small dogs. And those illnesses sound similar to the ones dogs and cats have experienced after eating Nutro food, according to a regular ConsumerAffairs.com reader.....More
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Pets for Christmas Not a Good Idea
Returning home to find a new pet sick or in need of medical care is not the Christmas memory you’ll want to carry through the years. That is one of the things Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin wants Georgians to think about before purchasing or adopting a pet for Christmas.
Here are a few points to consider from Commissioner Irvin:
• Never give an animal to anyone unless that person wants it, expects it, and is prepared to immediately care for it. People receiving the animal should bond with that animal beforehand. They should not be surprised by it or have it forced on them, even by someone with the best of intentions.
• With the bustle of holiday festivities and duties, do you have the time to effectively care and watch out for a new animal or to deal with housebreaking and litter box issues?
• Introducing a new animal into new surroundings can be stressful. A home full of holiday guests and small children, each wanting to hold and feed the animal, only makes the stress worse.
• Chocolate, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts are dangerous to dogs. A dog can choke on a turkey or chicken bone. Will you be able to make sure it doesn’t get into any of these or that a guest won’t feed them to the dog?
• Decorations may look like playthings to a dog or cat eager to explore its new surroundings. Will you be upset if the cat climbs into the Christmas tree to hide or if the dog chews up an heirloom ornament?
• Veterinarians will be harder to reach during the holiday if there is an emergency.
• Will your children think an animal is like a toy that can be discarded when they grow tired of it?
• A pet is a long-term commitment of time and money. Do you want a companion or do you just need a gift?
“The main thing I want Georgians to remember is that decisions about getting a pet should be carefully considered. The last thing animal shelters want to see is another orphaned animal. A dog or cat is not like a sweater that you can return or stick in the back of the closet,” said Commissioner Irvin.
“The second thing is that Christmas may not be the best time to introduce a new pet into the household. If you and your children sincerely want a dog or cat as a Christmas gift, consider giving a photo or drawing of one on Christmas morning and then visit an animal shelter and adopt one in January.
“And, of course, always spay and neuter your cat or dog,” Irvin added.
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Here are a few points to consider from Commissioner Irvin:
• Never give an animal to anyone unless that person wants it, expects it, and is prepared to immediately care for it. People receiving the animal should bond with that animal beforehand. They should not be surprised by it or have it forced on them, even by someone with the best of intentions.
• With the bustle of holiday festivities and duties, do you have the time to effectively care and watch out for a new animal or to deal with housebreaking and litter box issues?
• Introducing a new animal into new surroundings can be stressful. A home full of holiday guests and small children, each wanting to hold and feed the animal, only makes the stress worse.
• Chocolate, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts are dangerous to dogs. A dog can choke on a turkey or chicken bone. Will you be able to make sure it doesn’t get into any of these or that a guest won’t feed them to the dog?
• Decorations may look like playthings to a dog or cat eager to explore its new surroundings. Will you be upset if the cat climbs into the Christmas tree to hide or if the dog chews up an heirloom ornament?
• Veterinarians will be harder to reach during the holiday if there is an emergency.
• Will your children think an animal is like a toy that can be discarded when they grow tired of it?
• A pet is a long-term commitment of time and money. Do you want a companion or do you just need a gift?
“The main thing I want Georgians to remember is that decisions about getting a pet should be carefully considered. The last thing animal shelters want to see is another orphaned animal. A dog or cat is not like a sweater that you can return or stick in the back of the closet,” said Commissioner Irvin.
“The second thing is that Christmas may not be the best time to introduce a new pet into the household. If you and your children sincerely want a dog or cat as a Christmas gift, consider giving a photo or drawing of one on Christmas morning and then visit an animal shelter and adopt one in January.
“And, of course, always spay and neuter your cat or dog,” Irvin added.
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Zoo Atlanta's Giant Panda Cub is Named Xi Lan
After weeks of excitement, anticipation and a suspenseful month collecting ballots from over 45,000 voters around the world, Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Dennis Kelly announced that the new giant panda cub has been named Xi Lan. The winning name, which means “Atlanta’s Joy” in Chinese, was submitted by the Zoo’s Board of Directors and was one of 12 finalists
suggested by members of the Zoo family and extended family.
Joining the cub’s 100 Day Naming Celebration were Liu Dewang and He Chao of the China State Forestry Administration; Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle; Greg Pridgeon, Chief of Staff of the Office of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; Fulton County Commissioner, Lynne Riley, Xie Xhong, Secretary General, Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens; and Xia Zhenglin and She Yi of the Chengdu Research Center of Giant Panda Breeding.
“Zoo Atlanta is delighted to share this historic moment with the citizens of Atlanta, the State of Georgia and our friends, partners and colleagues in the People’s Republic of China,” said Kelly. “The name Xi Lan is a proud and fitting reminder of our cub’s birthplace, but his birth also serves as a global tribute to the true power of partnerships in determining the future of giant pandas and other species around the world.”
The announcement was preceded by an authentic Chinese dragon dance – performed to bestow good luck on the new arrival and on the 100 Day proceedings – and a live rendering of the traditional Chinese song “Panda Mimi” by young members of China Children Adoption International. A throng of Zoo Members, guests and giant panda fans waited anxiously as Kelly, joined by Lieutenant Governor Cagle, Pridgeon and Chinese officials, unveiled the cub’s new name.
While “Atlanta’s Joy” clearly expresses the City of Atlanta’s and State of Georgia’s excitement and pride in Xi Lan, the cub’s birth was also an occasion of great celebration for Zoo Atlanta’s colleagues in China, where the species is considered a national treasure and a symbol of the conservation of endangered wildlife.
Shortly after the unveiling, Zoo Atlanta Board of Directors member Mark Roberts informed the crowd of another exciting surprise. When voting began on November 3, Zoo officials announced that the individual or organization responsible for submitting the winning name would win a private reception for 50 at the Zoo, accompanied by an exclusive viewing of the cub. As the organization behind submitting the name Xi Lan, the Zoo’s Board of Directors elected to donate their special prize to the children and families of China Children Adoption International.
Born on August 30, the 100-day-old cub was the only giant panda born in the U.S. in 2008, and he is one of only 31 born in the worldwide survival colony this year. He is the second offspring of Lun Lun and Yang Yang and the younger sibling of the world-famous Mei Lan, born September 6, 2006. Zoo Atlanta expects Xi Lan to make his official public debut in January.
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suggested by members of the Zoo family and extended family.
Joining the cub’s 100 Day Naming Celebration were Liu Dewang and He Chao of the China State Forestry Administration; Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle; Greg Pridgeon, Chief of Staff of the Office of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; Fulton County Commissioner, Lynne Riley, Xie Xhong, Secretary General, Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens; and Xia Zhenglin and She Yi of the Chengdu Research Center of Giant Panda Breeding.
“Zoo Atlanta is delighted to share this historic moment with the citizens of Atlanta, the State of Georgia and our friends, partners and colleagues in the People’s Republic of China,” said Kelly. “The name Xi Lan is a proud and fitting reminder of our cub’s birthplace, but his birth also serves as a global tribute to the true power of partnerships in determining the future of giant pandas and other species around the world.”
The announcement was preceded by an authentic Chinese dragon dance – performed to bestow good luck on the new arrival and on the 100 Day proceedings – and a live rendering of the traditional Chinese song “Panda Mimi” by young members of China Children Adoption International. A throng of Zoo Members, guests and giant panda fans waited anxiously as Kelly, joined by Lieutenant Governor Cagle, Pridgeon and Chinese officials, unveiled the cub’s new name.
While “Atlanta’s Joy” clearly expresses the City of Atlanta’s and State of Georgia’s excitement and pride in Xi Lan, the cub’s birth was also an occasion of great celebration for Zoo Atlanta’s colleagues in China, where the species is considered a national treasure and a symbol of the conservation of endangered wildlife.
Shortly after the unveiling, Zoo Atlanta Board of Directors member Mark Roberts informed the crowd of another exciting surprise. When voting began on November 3, Zoo officials announced that the individual or organization responsible for submitting the winning name would win a private reception for 50 at the Zoo, accompanied by an exclusive viewing of the cub. As the organization behind submitting the name Xi Lan, the Zoo’s Board of Directors elected to donate their special prize to the children and families of China Children Adoption International.
Born on August 30, the 100-day-old cub was the only giant panda born in the U.S. in 2008, and he is one of only 31 born in the worldwide survival colony this year. He is the second offspring of Lun Lun and Yang Yang and the younger sibling of the world-famous Mei Lan, born September 6, 2006. Zoo Atlanta expects Xi Lan to make his official public debut in January.
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