Giant panda twins born at Zoo Atlanta turn one month old. Now, their older siblings are about to move out.
Mei Lun and Mei Huan, born three years ago to Lun Lun, will be shipped to the Chengdu Research Base in China next month.
Zoo Atlanta explains the relocation is part of its loan agreement with China. Offspring must eventually be returned. The zoo's already sent back Lun Lun's first three cubs, Mei Lan, Xi Lan and Po.
It's still too early to determine the new cubs' gender. According to zoo vets, each weighs more than two pounds and is on track developmentally. Cub "A" and Cub "B" are also beginning to show their black & white color markings.
A naming ceremony for the new cubs is planned in December. By Chinese tradition, it occurs 100 days after birth.
The cubs will likely go on display at the zoo in late December or early next year. Their progress can be monitored via the Animal Planet L!ve PandaCam at www.zooatlanta.org/pandacam.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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