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Atlanta Panda Now a 2-Time Mama

Lun Lun gives birth to new cub, twin might be on way

By Drew Nelles, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 31, 2008 3:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – A giant panda in Zoo Atlanta became a mommy for the second time last night, and a twin might even be on the way, WSB Atlanta reports. Lun Lun gave birth at 10:10pm, the first panda in the US to do so this year. She previously gave birth in 2006. “We are delighted, proud and elated,” the zoo’s president says.

Zoo officials added that Lun Lun is taking great care of the cub. Twins are born about 50% of the time, and can come up to a day apart, so zoo officials are monitoring Lun Lun closely. Visitors can expect to see the new arrival in 2009 —but images of the new arrival will be available at the zoo’s website until then.

[Images (4)]

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Mei Lan, a giant panda born at Zoo Atlanta Sept. 6, 2006 explores her new habitat in this Jan. 12, 2007, file photo. Mei Lan's mother just gave birth to a new cub. (AP Photo)

Mei Lan plays in her Zoo Atlanta enclosure, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008 (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Mei Lan has a new little brother or sister panda, now that her mother has given birth. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

This photo released by Zoo Atlanta shows giant panda cub Mei Lan, left, playing with her mother Lun Lun in the panda hammock at Zoo Atlanta, Ga. on Wednesday March 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Zoo Atlanta)

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“We are delighted, proud and elated. We are just as excited as we were about Mei Lan’s (Lun Lun’s first offspring, born September 6, 2006) birth." - Dennis Kelly,
Zoo Atlanta’s president and CEO

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Atlanta Panda Now a 2-Time Mama