The Taipei Zoo announced yesterday that giant panda cub Yuan Zai (圓仔) will be living on its own starting this Wednesday, away from her mother, Yuan Yuan.

Yuan Zai has been a beloved must-see attraction for zoo visitors since she was born in the summer of 2013.

Many have enjoyed watching the interactions between the panda cub and its mother, but zookeepers have now declared that the panda cub is able to grow up independently.

Caretakers say the giant panda cub is now over 52 kg, and growing bored with her surroundings.

The zoo has started to wean Yuan Zai away from Yuan Yuan recently, training her to stay in her own space without having to depend on her mother.

The independent time was extended for the third time last week, and zoo keepers reported that both mother and daughter seemed fine.

After Yuan Zai is separated from Yuan Yuan, she will stay with her mother  two days a week, and her father another two days of the week.

 

photos via Taipei Zoo