ATLANTA–Nov. 9, 2006 – Zoo Atlanta’s 64-day-old female giant panda cub received its first vaccination during today’s weekly exam. The canine distemper vaccine, similar to that given to domestic animals, will build the cub’s immunity against contracting distemper. Over the next couple of months, a regimen of three to four vaccines will be administered.

Her growth continues on a steady and aggressive track.  Veterinary staff report that she has gained about one pound and grown nearly one and a half inches over the past week. During her seventh exam, the cub weighed in at 7.2 pounds and measured 21 inches. At this week’s exam, the cub was much more alert than during past exams.

Dr. Maria Crane, Zoo Atlanta’s vice president of animal health shared that the cub “has two teeth buds and is feisty and stronger.”