Karie Bland's second grade class from Peachtree Academy in Covington took part in Zoo Atlanta's 100 Day Giant Panda naming celebration Feb. 15.

It is Chinese tradition for baby pandas to be given their names 100 days after their birth. Zoo Atlanta had the honor of having the only baby Panda born last year in the United States. Lun Lun gave birth to a male cub Nov. 3, the third cub born at Zoo Atlanta.
T
he ceremony included a huge dancing golden dragon and other interpretive dancers of China. Jack Black, the voice of the panda in the movie King Fu Panda, unveiled the newest cub's name ‘Po.' Po now tips the scale at 11 pounds. Dreamworks Animation is donating funds to help support Zoo Atlanta's work in the conservation of giant pandas, and their sponsorship will help the panda exhibit remain at Zoo Atlanta and help their valuable research.

The students received sweatshirts depicting all three baby pandas born at Zoo Atlanta, including each cub's name and date of birth with one exception. Po's name only showed question marks since they did not know his name until that day.

The students learned what giant pandas eat, the size of newborn pandas and other facts. Giant pandas are endangered with only 1,600 left in the world.

Also attending the Gov. Nathan Deal, President of Zoo Atlanta Raymond King and Dreamworks Kung Fu Panda. Po will be on exhibit in late March or early April.