Zoo Atlanta Raises Thousands to Keep Pandas

Zoo Atlanta has raised more than $40,000 in the month since it announced a fundraising campaign to help keep its giant pandas. The zoo launched the "Give So They Can Stay" program June 17 in hopes of bringing in $500,000 to keep the popular animals. The fundraising will continue through the end of the year. The zoo's lease with China for its panda pair, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, is up this year. The couple has had two cubs - Mei Lan and Xi Lan – since 2006. Mei Lan will return to China in the next year to breed, while Xi Lan will stay with his parents.

(AP)

Zoo Atlanta's panda cub celebrates first birthday

Mei Lan takes it easy as visitors celebrate her first birthday.
(Valarie Edwards)



A wide-eyed visitor looks on.
(V. Edwards)



Mama Panda, Lun Lun, breaks for a meal.
(V. Edwards)



Panda caregiver Kate Roca, with visitors from Orlando (Fla.),
who come "bearing" birthday gifts.
(V. Edwards)



Three generations of panda lovers traveled from
Peachtree City to celebrate Mei Lan's birthday.
(V. Edwards)



Panda lovers gather for Mei Lan's first birthday.
(V. Edwards)