It was hugs and kisses when two panda sisters met each other for the first time at San Diego Zoo.

Su Lin and Zhen Zhen have been housed separately for the last few months at the park.

But staff thought it was time the bears met at the so-called 'howdy gate' between their pens.

Here the siblings can see and smell each other through the mesh in the gate while still being separate, and therefore protected.

Su Lin made the first move by approaching the gate first and peering into the adjacent enclosure.

Zhen Zhen was sitting near her pond but she noticed Su Lin at the gate right away. After cautiously her big sister for a few moments she tentatively started to make her way toward the gate.

Zoo spokeswoman Pamela Crowe said: "As ZZ cautiously approached the gate, she bleated (a friendly vocalisation) softly a few times. The two bears began smelling each other through the gate, and this nose-to-nose interaction lasted for quite awhile.

"Gradually their cautious behaviour began to relax a bit, and Su Lin started rolling on her back in a playful, inviting gesture.

Before long they appeared quite comfortable with one another, and they began displaying play behaviours that we don't often see, including rearing up and playful running and roll invitations. It was clear that the two very much enjoyed interacting with one another."

After their successful sisterly bonding zoo staff are planning on arranging another meeting between the pair.

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Story: Dean Murray