Chapter 94: Chapter 660: High-Five with the Red Panda
"Wow, that big tail is so beautiful!"
"The scales seem to be shimmering!"
"It's so ethereal!"
The White-bellied Pheasant tilted its head, its eyes bright and attentive as it gazed at the visitors.
Upon closer inspection, a tuft of red hair resembling a red tassel adorned the top of its head.
Its tail feathers were white with black edges and dark patterns, adorned with several crimson spots.
Pure white as clouds, black as ink, and the subtle blend of blue and green feathers gave it a feeling of stepping out of a landscape painting.
Several White-bellied Pheasants lowered their heads to peck at the ground, emitting soft calls as if reminding their companions. The sound was hoarse, akin to the creaking of an old wooden door.
A fluffy little squirrel sat on a tree stump, nibbling on the scattered corn kernels, its mouth moving in delight.
Witnessing a White-bellied Pheasant squat and lightly hop up, Liu Wei asked, "Junior, do you prefer the White-bellied Pheasant or the Red-bellied Pheasant?"
Yumiko smiled and replied, "Of course, I love them both! But if I had to choose, maybe the White-bellied Pheasant! The blue, green, and white feather colors are like elegant blue and white porcelain, don't you think?"
Liu Wei glanced at the White-bellied Pheasant again. "Now that you mention it, it does have a resemblance!"
"I didn't expect to see such beautiful birds today! It's truly eye-opening!"
Exiting the Pheasant Forest, they arrived at the Red Panda Pavilion!
"Oh, how cute!"
Yumiko was ecstatic and ran behind the signboard showcasing the Red Panda, revealing a radiant smile. "Senior, please take a picture for me!"
Liu Wei made a gesture, "Ok!"
Unexpectedly, such a beautiful girl also had a childish side. Wasn't this kind of thing for kids to play with?
Yumiko didn't think so. After taking a few photos, she planned to send them to her friends in Japan, who would surely envy her.
Japanese people have a special fondness for red pandas.
Inside the Red Panda Pavilion, there weren't many visitors, just a dozen or so.
Guide Shan, wearing a headset, smiled at the visitors. "Hello, today I'll show you the behavior training we usually do with the red pandas.
When it comes to behavior training, some may immediately think of circus performances, like tigers jumping through hoops or elephants standing on their hind legs.
However, the purpose of behavior training in zoos isn't for animals to perform in circuses but to cooperate during health check-ups, follow the keeper's instructions, not fear injections, and ensure the animals' health and well-being.
For red pandas, during the breeding season, they need ultrasounds to check for pregnancy. Once confirmed, preparations for the birthing room and adjustments to their diet need to be made. Proper training beforehand ensures a smooth ultrasound procedure."
Shan took out a clicker from her pocket. "For behavior training, we use this clicker and my hands! Like this."
She pressed the clicker. "Click."
"This clicker is a signal for the red pandas, indicating they've done something right! A correct action earns them a food reward, guiding them to perform the correct behaviors.
Today, my partner is Chestnut, and I'll bring her out."
As Shan headed to the back room, Liu Wei said to Yumiko, "We're quite lucky to be here today! I've only seen parrots before; I've never witnessed a red panda behavior training demonstration."
"Wow, we are indeed fortunate."
After a while, Shan and another assistant keeper brought out Chestnut and arrived at the open space in front of the Red Panda Pavilion.
Chestnut peeked around from behind Shan's legs, surveying her surroundings!
Yumiko, captivated by Chestnut's charming face, butterfly-like ears, reddish-brown fur, fluffy long tail, and sparkling eyes, couldn't help but exclaim, "So cute! Adorable!"
Squatting on the ground, she clicked her camera non-stop!
The assistant keeper maintained order, "Everyone, please spread out a bit and don't get too close, to avoid causing stress to Chestnut!"
The visitors obediently created a two to three-meter distance.
Red pandas are relatively timid and cautious animals. Although they were accustomed to visitors and could come out for a stroll, training demonstrations under visitor scrutiny were still challenging.
Therefore, training demonstrations were usually conducted on days with fewer visitors, cooler weather, and when the red pandas were in good spirits.
Shan took out a small piece of apple, "The reward for training is this sweet and delicious apple!"
Yumiko raised her hand curiously, "Why so little?"
Shan explained, "If we give too much at once, the red pandas will be full and lose interest in food rewards. So, small amounts multiple times are more efficient.
Of course, besides food, the most crucial aspect of training is the animals' trust and cooperation!
Training should be conducted in a relaxed manner. If the animals are unwilling, we won't force them to avoid developing aversion during the next training session."
Shan crouched down and called out to Chestnut with a smile, "Chestnut! Let's start training."
Chestnut, who had been sniffing a small flower on the lawn, obediently walked to Shan's feet! Shan extended her hand, "Come, stand up high!"
Chestnut lifted her front paws off the ground and stood up on her hind legs, lightly touching Shan's palm with her nose.
Shan immediately clicked the clicker, "Click," and handed Chestnut a piece of apple, praising, "Well done!"
The visitors marveled, "Wow, so obedient!"
"What a cute little one!"
To avoid disrupting the training, they kept their voices low!
Yumiko gently nudged Liu Wei's arm and asked, "What does 'Xiaoneng' mean?"
Liu Wei explained, "'Neng' stands for 'ability,' and the four dots below 'Xiong' represent legs. Since red pandas have relatively short legs, they are called 'Xiaoneng,' which is an affectionate nickname we use for them!"
"'Xiaoneng,' how cute!"
After Chestnut finished eating the apples, licking her lips in satisfaction, Shan extended her hand, "Shake hands!"
Chestnut placed her left paw in Shan's palm, and Shan switched hands, placing her other hand on the opposite side, "Shake hands!"
Chestnut followed suit, placing her right paw in Shan's other hand!
With a click, Shan handed Chestnut an apple and praised, "Great job!"
The assistant keeper explained to the visitors, "Shaking hands and high-fives are common behavior training exercises for red pandas. This helps them remain calm when their front paws are touched, making it easier for veterinarians to conduct physical examinations."
Shan extended her hand, "Come, high-five!"
Chestnut extended her paw, lightly touching Shan's hand.
The sight of the red panda's small paw high-fiving a human hand was incredibly endearing.
"I'm envious! I also want to high-five with the red panda!"
"So cute!"
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