On March 20, 2025, the delightful panda twins, Leni and Lotti, took their first steps into the outdoor realm of the Panda Garden at Berlin Zoo. Born on August 22, 2024, these energetic sisters mark a pivotal moment in local panda conservation, being only the second pair of pandas born in Germany. Their outdoor adventure followed weeks of practice, climbing with excitement on smaller structures within their enclosure, showcasing their natural curiosity and playfulness.
The twins now have a regular schedule, enjoying the outdoors from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM daily, as weather permits. A new climbing landscape funded by generous donations features tree trunks and safety enhancements, ensuring a secure play area with padded mulch beneath. This thoughtful setup allows the young pandas to explore their surroundings safely, fostering their adventurous spirits as they climb higher and higher.
Florian Sicks, the zoo’s bear curator, highlighted the natural behaviour of pandas, noting that young pandas usually start climbing between four and six months old. He remarked on Leni and Lotti’s inclination to seek higher perches, particularly with the arrival of warmer weather. Although pandas may seem clumsy, their climbing skills are impressive, and they often emerge from tumbles unscathed due to their generous fur and rounded physique.
The excitement surrounding the twins also links to larger conservation concerns, as Sicks shared that without human efforts, the giant panda population, now under 2,000 in the wild, would face extinction. The twins’ birth is a significant victory for conservationists, echoing the earlier success of their siblings, Pit and Paule, born in 2019 to the same mother, Meng Meng. When they mature, Leni and Lotti will move to the Chengdu Panda Base in China, a usual practice for pandas bred outside their natural habitats.
Zoo Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem expressed his joy in observing the playful twins, stating, “It’s a wonderful sight to see these playful young animals in their element.” He also stressed the importance of ongoing conservation efforts, acknowledging that even as panda populations stabilize, many bear species remain threatened.
As Leni and Lotti played on their climbing frame, their instincts shone through, mimicking wild panda cubs that climb to avoid predators such as snow leopards. Under the watchful eyes of their trainers, their joy is palpable, ensuring they are safe during their escapades.
The pandas’ diet, primarily bamboo, requires them to consume between 9 and 18 kilograms daily, as bamboo holds little nutritional value. This eating habit keeps them busy throughout their day, allowing time for rest and energy conservation for their climbing adventures.
The journey of Leni and Lotti transcends local significance, symbolising the bond between endangered animals and human conservation efforts. Their daily existence serves as a reminder of the fragile balance necessary to support their species and the ecosystems they inhabit, reaffirming the need for continued wildlife conservation efforts.
On March 20, 2025, panda twins Leni and Lotti made their outdoor debut at Berlin Zoo, representing a milestone in local conservation efforts. Their daily exploration routine includes climbing in a specially designed garden, funded by donations. Experts emphasize the importance of ongoing conservation, as giant pandas remain at risk. The twins are set to move to Chengdu Panda Base when they mature, showcasing the success of breeding programmes outside their natural habitat.
The enchanting story of Leni and Lotti highlights the significant impact of conservation work at Berlin Zoo. As these panda twins continue to thrive, they embody the hope and joy of wildlife preservation. Their journey underscores the certainty that protecting not only the giant pandas but also the habitats they rely upon is vital for maintaining ecological balance, demonstrating the importance of human intervention in safeguarding endangered species. Through their playful exploration and interaction, Leni and Lotti inspire a collective responsibility toward conservation efforts, conveying a strong message of resilience and hope.
Original Source: evrimagaci.org
