China or Bust!
Posted at 12:53 pm August 31, 2007 by Panda Research TeamAs many of you know, giant panda Mei Sheng will be leaving us in October to become part of the breeding program at the Wolong Nature Reserve in China. To ease the transition to his new home, the keeper staff has come up with some new management strategies involving his diet and training program.
To begin, we are slowly changing Mei Sheng’s diet to replicate that of what he will receive at Wolong. The pandas at the reserve are fed two loaves of specially baked bread made of soybeans, rice, corn, and bamboo flour in addition to apples, carrots, and bamboo. We are also working on getting him comfortable in his travel crate. Mei Sheng is already familiar and comfortable sitting and training in a squeeze crate, so the transition to this new crate has been uneventful. On the very first day he was willing to calmly sit in the crate while receiving treats, which include apples, carrots, and yams.
The next step in the process is getting him comfortable with being confined in the crate with the door closed. The tricky part with this is that the door lowers from the top so he has to be desensitized to someone standing on the top of the crate while he’s inside. An additional part of our training is introducing unfamiliar noises to him that he may hear while in transit, such as the back-up beeper of a truck and unfamiliar human voices.
On the day of his shipment, the crate will be loaded via forklift onto a truck and off he will go to the airport. Zoo and veterinary staff from both the San Diego Zoo and Wolong will escort him. While traveling, his in-flight meals will include specially packed boxes of his favorite bamboo as well as bamboo breads. To familiarize the Chinese keepers with our special bear, we will also be creating a DVD of Mei Sheng that will include his training repertoire and management.
Mei Sheng will continue to be on exhibit until his departure, so be sure to come by and wish him well on his adventures abroad.
Posted by the San Diego Zoo’s giant panda keepers.
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August 31st, 2007 at 1:40 pm
I cannot believe how soon our Mei Sheng wil l be leaving us…as I wrote on previous blogs, Mei Sheng was the first panda baby that I saw grow up on camera. After seeing his birth I was hooked. I can say that almost 2 weeks ago I saw him for the first time live and was just in awe…He is a beautiful bear and I will miss him.
August 31st, 2007 at 1:45 pm
This is kind of painful to read. He will be missed so much.
August 31st, 2007 at 2:02 pm
“On the day of his shipment….” oh no, here come the tears. I know he has to go - but Mei Sheng is such a sweet boy - our first boy - and we are going to miss him so much. I hope the staff at Wolong take extra special care of our boy - and pick an extra special girl for his mate someday. Pack a little package of San Diego sunshine, maybe the smell of popcorn and hotdogs and a little pillow filled with Bai Yun’s fur - just so he never forgets us back home. I need to find a kleenex now…
August 31st, 2007 at 2:08 pm
We will certainly miss our “Sheng”. How long is the flight to his new home? Hope all goes well for him. It would be wonderful if we could get occasionally updates and pics of him. Is that possible? Will Woolong keep you informed of his progress?
August 31st, 2007 at 2:12 pm
So, besides Mei Sheng, who has tried the panda bread?
Mei Sheng is a very smart panda and loves to learn. All the training for his transition must be very stimulating for him. Yes, it’s very, very sad to see him go, but it’s time for our teenager to move on with his life. I hope he’ll do well with dealing with noises. What kind of movies will he get to see on board Panda-One?
August 31st, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I’m going to miss him so much!! My friend and I would like to come visit him one last time if possible. Is there any way to let us know what his last day out in the exhibit will be?
August 31st, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Sad but also exciting news for Sheng. He is so important for his species and this is his destiny. He’s a great bear and hopefully he’s got his Dad’s instinct for breeding. Good luck and God bless our young man.
I had the privilege of “meeting” him in person 3 weeks ago. He’s adorable on the cam, but just stunning in person. I will be in China a year from now, so I will hopefully get to see him again.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I can’t believe the time has come for Mei Sheng to leave us, the tears will be coming soon. I remember the first day he went on exhibit, my Mom and I were one of the first in line. I also had the priviliege to see him nurse on Bui up in a tree, what a cutie. Where has the time gone, our Mei Sheng is leaving all too soon. I will be there to see him now that summer is over, kids are back in school & visitors are gone. I wouldn’t miss seeing him as much as I can, I have been there for all of his birthdays and I will be there to say good bye. I hate to see him leave he is such a sweet little boy panda, but I know his genes are special and he is needed to make sure there are lots of baby pandas born. What a sad day it will be for all of us panda lovers when he is gone.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:29 pm
My eyes are wallowing up in tears as I read about the preparation of Mei Sheng crate training. This is so sad knowing Mei Sheng will be leaving SDZ for his ancestor homeland. While living in San Diego and on the first week he went on display to the public, I stood in line 6 times in the pouring rain just so I could get a few minutes glimpse of the small cub each time. It was so exciting to be there to see him in person as well as his sister Hua Mei when she resided at the zoo.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Ohhh…I will miss my dear Mei Sheng! Thank you for preparing him so well for his long journey back to China. I’m sure it’s just as hard for you guys as it is for us, if not more so!
August 31st, 2007 at 6:48 pm
I can’t believe October is just around the corner now. I’m going to miss sweet Mei Sheng. thank you for the update.
August 31st, 2007 at 7:10 pm
As I am reading this, tears are slowing coming out of my eyes. I can’t believe it’s come to this time. Why do we have to bid him farewell? I know about the agreement…but it just seems so sad. I wish he could stay yet I feel blessed that he was in our lives. For the past few years, Mei Sheng has really made a difference not just to the SD Zoo but to all who get to watch him on pandacam and in person. I sure will miss him.
August 31st, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Thanks for letting us know about Mei’s departure. Will he at least be there until after October 7th?
I have scheduled a trip to SDZ for that weekend and am really hoping I can see Mei before he goes to China. I’ve been watching him since just shortly after he was born and would really hate to miss him.
August 31st, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Thanks for the update on Mei Sheng’s crate training. After watching ” A Panda is Born” - the video about Tai & how Mei XIang & Tian Tian were treated on their trip from China knew that Mei would be a “first class” passenger & he would go to China with one of his keepers to help smooth the transition. But it has to be difficult for all - easy to say he’s just an animal but he has been an ambassodor for the pandas & will be missed by all. Let’s hope he is like his daddy & can help the panda population.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:32 pm
I got to come say good by to pooper on his 4th birthday. I’m going to miss him soo much. I’ve been to see him numerous times, each one was special and each one in the back of my mind i was thinking that it was going to stink when we have to give him up. now that time is here, and i was right. it stinks. I’m glad we got to keep him an extra year because now my son is old enough that he will be able to remember going to meet the “panna” that we watch together on the computer every day.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Do you plan to send one of the SDZ panda staff on the plane with Mei Sheng for his “great adventure”? Seems like that happened with Hua Mei when she made the trip. I spent countless hours at this computer watching her grow into a beautiful teenager! She has subsequently mothered 2 sets of twins at Wolong, as I recall. It will be hard to say goodbye to Mei Sheng too, but hopefully he will be going to a friendly home, with lots of love and respect for pandas. We will miss him terribly. Does anyone know how many panda babies we are under contract to send to China? And, eventually, will we also lose the two adults? That is hardest of all to even think about!
August 31st, 2007 at 10:53 pm
I’m sad Sheng is leaving. I visited him this summer and talked to him (ever so quietly!). It was very difficult to leave after that week and to finally say good-bye.
I was amazed how skittish he is. While I was there, he was upset about the noise during Bai Yun’s ultrasounds etc. from the back rooms, and he was SO spooked by construction noise. The Educators kept reminding us that when the pandas’ stress hormones are measured, they are elevated on noisy days. It was interesting to me because the other panda-zoos don’t seem to do anything about limiting excessive noise. Anyway, I hope he can handle the various noises OK.
I feel so bad that he has to leave us. But, he is growing up and that was the deal.
Take care, Mei Sheng! Make us proud in Wolong, we’ll miss you!
Love, Joy
August 31st, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Well, here come the tears again…I wish Mei Sheng a safe journey and a wonderful life. His new caretakers will fall in love with him-how could they not! Blessings and love to my “Baby Boy”. Claudia Menke
September 1st, 2007 at 5:27 am
I did not see Mei Shang’s birth, because I was too young than, but when Su Lin was born, I remember him being the funniest little two-year-old. Now sister, Su, and half-cousin, Tai Shan, remind me so much of that two-year-old from so long ago. I remember watching Su Lin, awile after birth, and than the cam swiching to Mei Shang, almost posing for the panda cam, just watching it. Even though I didn’t know Mei Shang until two years after his birth, I will always miss him and probably never get to see him or any of his siblings in real life, unless they are still there in ten years and I become a Giant Panda keeper at San Diego, which it is my dream to be a Giant Panda keeper.
Good luck Mei Shang
September 1st, 2007 at 6:20 am
I sat here reading this with tears running down my face, not just because Mei Sheng is leaving but I was deeply touched at all you are doing to make the transition as easy as possible for this wonderful bear. It is so difficult for all of us to say goodbye so it must be even more difficult for all of you who work with him.
When you train Mei Sheng and the other bears, do you use Chinese words as well as English words? If not, won’t he be confused at the commands given to him or do they use English speaking to the bears which have been raised here?
You all have done an exceptional job with this beautiful bear. I too hope that you will be able to update us occasionally with pictures and information about Mei Sheng. It’s so good to know that you are doing everything in your power to make this a good trip for him. Thank you.
September 1st, 2007 at 6:48 am
I read with interest all the preparation that is in place for our super boy Mei Sheng, to enable him to make the major transition to his new home in China - it will never be easy but I appreciate all the efforts made by the Panda Research Team regarding his welfare.
It is hard to realise that Gao Gao has been at SDZ since Jan.’03 - I can recall Gao Gao arriving in a crate, via a forklift truck at SDZ then to a truck - throughout the processs he charmed his watching and adoring public, but still made time to continually munch on his beloved bamboo !
It did not take Gao Gao long to settle in and win the affections of his beloved Bai Yun which resulted in the birth of Mei Sheng on 19th August ‘03, he was a smooth operator!
We hope that Mei Sheng also finds a lovely ‘lady’ of his choice and enhances the panda world like his mother and father.
I will miss Mei Sheng who so loved his mom Bai Yun, and his keepers, when he was a young panda.
I am not looking forward to the day he has to leave but understand it is necessary because it is his destiny.
It was heart breaking when Hua Mei had to leave SDZ but what an asset she has turned out to be - I can still visualize her laid back attitude to life and her wonderful smiling face.
We will never forget Mei Sheng however Bai Yun has now given everyone a new ‘baby’ to nuture and watch via the PandaCam……
September 1st, 2007 at 6:57 am
Oh, how do you do it? I know hearts must be breaking. I wish him well and hope he adjusts quickly to the changes in his life. Wish he could stay forever, wish they all could, but that is not what this is about.
God bless you all and Mei Sheng. Be brave little guy!
September 1st, 2007 at 7:06 am
Mei Shang is such a good and smart boy, we hope he live well in China. We miss U, Shang.
September 1st, 2007 at 7:31 am
I, too, along with all of you other Mei Sheng lovers, have tears streaming down my face after reading all of your comments. Mei is a special panda, and I will miss him. At our office, we all watched him grow from the tiny, little helpless cub into the beautiful bear he now is. On his first birthday, I baked a standing panda cake, and no one at work wanted to cut (and ruin) the cake. God speed, Mei Sheng, and we won’t forget you.
September 1st, 2007 at 8:03 am
Very very very very very very sad thing even for people who have peeked at your panda-cam outside of U.S.A….
I know pandas are in the possession of China….
But as to Mei Sheng, he is a native American.
“East or West, home is best.”
Only SDZ must be Mei Sheng’s true home forever.
I do hope China will take good care of him in the clean enclosure, and Mei Sheng will accommodate himself to new circumstances successfully.
September 1st, 2007 at 9:05 am
I unfortunately did not watch Mei Shang grow up like the rest of you, I should have and I guess being in DC, we were just waiting for our own little panda boy. I did see video of his older sister playing in snow, I believe for her first birthday, she was so cute.
From the day Tai Shan was born, I dreaded him leaving us to go to China. So, as I just read all of the good wishes for Mei Shang, I was drying my eyes. I know he is a very special boy and I wish I knew him as well as all of you. I will even miss him. I have heard of his sister giving birth to twins, but I have not seen any pictures of her in her new home. Does anyone know where I can find some?
I hope someone from the zoo can answer some of the questions that people have asked, I also wonder about the language. I know some of the American panda keepers go to Woolong to help out and learn, I hope that they take good care of all of the pandas we have to send there.
I have been watching your new panda on cam daily, along with Mei Lan in Atlanta and Tai Shan in DC. I did watch your Su Lin when she was little also, love the pictures of her. I know they belong in the wild of their homeland, but oh my after watching them all grow up, it is so hard to give them up.
I wish Mei Shang all the luck as he leaves to his new adventure and may he be as happy there as he is here.
September 1st, 2007 at 10:31 am
I know this must be a difficult time for all the people who have helped Mei Sheng grow up, but I’m also sure you all know more than anyone how important he is for all pandas. What a gift you’ve given them.
September 1st, 2007 at 12:54 pm
I will need to visit the San Diego Zoo in person to see him before he moves! Or if I’m too late, I could travel to China and see him along with his older sister and mother of 6, Hua Mei.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:17 pm
I will miss Mei Sheng too. Can you tell me his departure date? Also how long will he be in quarantine once he arrives in China.
I am planning a trip there late October/early November and just wondering if he will be visible to visitors at the Wolong Reserve then.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Do you know when his last day on exhibit will be? I would like to plan a trip before he leaves.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Although I did not watch Mei Sheng as a cub (sweet Su Lin was my first), I was filled with sadness reading this post, almost to the point of tears. It’s like losing a member of the family. I hope that he will be as cherished in China as he has been here in San Diego, and that he fulfills his destiny in a wonderful way.
I was just watching the Panda Cam. Bai is reclining near the mouth of the den and the cub is lying on it’s back to the side. Perhaps the cub has gotten wind of all our “chubby cub” comments, because I swear it was doing crunches and leg lifts! So, so cute!!
September 1st, 2007 at 4:12 pm
I just checked Bai Yun, Gao Gao, Mei Sheng, and Su Lin’s profiles, and it appears that all of their current weight have been updated! Thanks for updating the information, and it is amazing to see how much they have grown (or their weight have remain pretty much the same)!!!
September 1st, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Mei Sheng holds a very special place in my heart since his birth in August 2003. I smile when I look at the many photos of him from the first day he was placed on exhibit. We all know Mei Sheng loves to climb very high in trees. One day in July 2004, while mommy Bai Yun was happily eating, Mei Sheng started climbing, moving from tree to tree. At this point, we realized that this clearly was a very dangerous situation which caused onlookers to gasp. Eventually, Mei Sheng reached a patch of flimsy bamboo trees, slid down and made his escape. It was evident that Mei Sheng knew what he was doing and was having a great time. His keeper, Kim Bacon, was summoned, picked him up and brought him back inside, all the while Mei Sheng protesting loudly. It was quite an eventful day. From that day on we call Mei Sheng the great escape artist. I will miss his very much. We will definitely visit him to wish him Godspeed and Bon Voyage. Mei Sheng is a very special panda and I know he will be loved in Wolong and cared for as they have cared for our beautiful Hua Mei.
September 1st, 2007 at 11:41 pm
This was really tough to read. Although I know Mei is going to be where he belongs, I can’t help but be sad. I’ll miss seeing him. Thank you for taking such good care of this very special boy and thank you for ensuring that his trip will be safe and comfortable.
September 2nd, 2007 at 1:09 pm
It will be a sad day when Mei Sheng leaves our beautiful zoo, state, and country. Having watched him since birth and making many visits to the zoo, I have so enjoyed this Panda with personality. He has been such a joy to watch. I’m sure the staff will miss him terribly. The good news is that our boy will become the greatest breeder at Wolong. With the wild genes in his DNA, his offspring will be allowed to be returned to the wild.
Thank you Mei Sheng - Born in the USA - for four years of joy!!!
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:19 am
Sad news…
I guess Mei Sheng will miss his keppers who have raised him with love… popsicles… good care…
He’ll be my “baby boy” forever. My favorite. Pooper is the most beautiful cub born in USA.
I have more than 5.000 pictures since he was a tiny baby, until now.
I remember the first day when he was by himself, how sad he was, sniffing and looking for Bai Yun.
I cried…
Please, d’ont forget to post updates about Mr. M.
Although I live so far, I saw him in person in 2005.
Mei Sheng, you are a sweet boy and I’m sure that the chinese keepers will love you, too ( d’ont be shy, ok).
Good luck, “beautiful life” and find big trees there.
I promisse, I’ll see you in Wolong soon.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:49 pm
I never have seen much of Mei Sheng, but the picture you have on his profile has always made me think of a prankster. It always strikes me as looking like someone was taking a picture, and he stuck his head in the frame at the last moment as a joke. Even the look on his face is mischevious, and fits this scenario perfectly. As someone who watched Tai Shan from the morning he was born, I can well identify with those of you who’ve similarly watched Mei Sheng. I know when it comes time for Tai to leave, I’ll get choked up. I don’t feel it’s right that pandas born here in the U.S. should have to go to China. They’ve never known anything but their homes here. The emotional toll on both bear and keepers (as well as the bear’s many fans) is horrible. After reading about how that mother bear in China moped around for days after rolling over onto its baby and crushing it, no one can tell me these animals don’t have emotion. I think I’ll always remember the almost human expression on Mei Sheng’s face in his profile picture. I have the feeling he must be one special bear. I hope the people in China appreciate what they’re getting, and take good care of him.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:51 am
I am so worried about Mei Sheng going back to China. this bear is so different than other bears, He is senstive and very smart and when he smiles that look could melt butter.I just hope that they are prepared to address his needs and the kind of attention that he has gotten here. This time has come to fast and every day my heart is breaking a little more, I know that when the day comes I will be devastated and the tears will flow.
September 4th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
I’m with Barbara #38 and the rest of them.
Mei Sheng is so different and sensitive, even though he’s treated like a real Panda Bear (trying to raise him in natural surroundings) He still was raised in captivity and has a lot of different feelings then the wild panda bears. He is so SPECIAL, just like the rest of our Pandas here in America. I worry too about his trip. There’s so much noise on the way to Wolong. The truck noise and people over there blow their horns constantly. Buses, van, and cars are always blowing their horns. I hope (even though they probably don’t want to) they can sedate Mei Sheng so he’s not so concerned about all the noise around him. He’s also such a people panda. You could just tell how much he love his home at SDZ and all the people that come by. He will definitely need a keeper or keepers that are always around him, because he sure isn’t the solitare type! I wish him well and the tears will flow for sure. My heart goes out to all who have been close to him. Everyone at the Zoo did a wonderful job in raising this wonderful boy and I hope we get input about how he is doing all the time. Thanks to the Vets, Keepers, Staff and everyone who helps with the caring and giving us all the great stories and education we wouldn’t get without all of you. Hats off to all of you!!
September 4th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
do you have a specific date in october planned yet?
September 5th, 2007 at 4:42 am
Do you already know when Mei Sheng is leaving? Will he be safe there? How is he going to feel, on his own? My heart goes to him and his keepers.
September 5th, 2007 at 9:26 am
I’m at work with tears in my eyes after reading the article and the subsequent remarks from everyone who feels exactly like I do. I wish he didn’t have to go, he’s such a special guy, but I know he’ll be so beneficial in China. I just hope they love him like the SDZ and the rest of us do. I’ll be out in a couple of weeks to say good-bye and I don’t look forward to the walk away from the exhibit at all. I have a better idea-can he just come live with me?
September 7th, 2007 at 9:27 am
I have read the news about Xiang Xiang, the first captive-born giant panda ever released into the wild who was found dead in southwest China. Chinese wildlife officials announced this news some months ago.
The body of Xiang Xiang, a five-year-old male panda, was discovered on snow-covered ground in the bamboo forests of Sichuan Province on February 19, 2007. How can we be sure Mei Sheng is not going to suffer the same fate? Xiang Xiang was a year older than Mei Sheng. It breaks my heart when I read news like this. So much effort placed in rearing him(them) up and afterwords they are not able to survive in the wild.
September 8th, 2007 at 8:22 am
Today(September 8th) is the fourth birthday of Ryuhin & Shuhin, our first Giant Panda twins born in Japan.
And I have just heard sad news about the twins.
They wiil be leaving us(Japan) for their mother’s home; Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda for breeding in China in October.
It is quite apparent that their transition is much easier than Mei Sheng’s, form U.S.A.
But we are so sad and will miss thier wrestling play on the lawn at the AWS zoo in japan.
I hope China’s keepers will take good care of them at the new home…
September 8th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
I am very saddened by the fact that he will be leaving soon. However, the good Lord did give us a solid year after his 3rd birthday to enjoy him at the SD Zoo. The last time I visited him was January this year and thought I wasn’t going to see him again, but I’ve been given the chance to see him once more before his journey to China in a week, so I’m so elated! He will always have a special place in my heart, just like Hua Mei. Countless pictures of him around my house and in my albums will always have him close. I hope to make it to Wolong one day to see both of again. May the good Lord bless you and keep you healthy, vibrant, and happy, to give you longevity. May your journey to Wolong be safe ! Hugs and love you, baby boy!
September 9th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Mei Sheng, tear is rolling down on my cheek as I am typing this message for you. I have your cubby picture hanging on my living room wall (the one that you are sitting down like the teddy bear) along with your older sister Hua Mei and your younger sister Sulin pictures. You are the joy of my life! At this particular time I do not wish to be in the shoes of your keepers. It must be even harder for them to say “good bye” to you. Take care my boy, may God watch over you and I am sure the good people of China will give you a red carpet welcome home as they did to your sister Hua Mei. Wolong will never be like your birthplace but I am sure you will be in great care. You will be surrounded with lots of friends. The people of the U.S.A. will not forget the boy “Born in the U.S.A.”. Rest asure, all eyes in the U.S.A. will always follow your every move as if you are still in SDZ. You are always in our hearts and our prays. Have a safe journey my boy! Lots of Hugs, Kisses and Loves! I pray and hope some day none of the cub have to leave us at all.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:44 am
#46 Chi Nguyen-Zeh, beautiful words and sentiments to a beautiful “Born in the USA” panda boy. #43 Amanda, Mei Sheng, Su Lin, and new cub’s genes are extremely valuable for future generations of pandas to be born. Therefore, it is very unlikely that any of them will be released into the wild as an “experiment.” It is possible that some of their cubs may be when the researchers and staff at Wolong have “perfected” the process of releasing pandas in to the wild.
September 16th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Hi everyone
I just want to share that I just returned from a 4-day volunteer trip to the Wolong Panda Reserve. All of them, from scientists to keepers, are very excited about Mei Sheng’s return next month. But they all seem to think that he’s a girl! The first person I spoke to said “Oh, Hua Mei’s sister is coming next month … ” I think the confusion is due to the fact that Mei Sheng’s first name - Mei - is usually a girl’s name. Yes, I corrected the confusion.
For those of you who are worried about his return, I would like to assure you that the place is beautiful and big enough, with lots of sub-adults his age for him to hang out with. I have pictures but I know the SDZ blog does not allow links, but please, please believe me when I tell you Mei Sheng’s going to be fine in Wolong!
I also saw Hua Mei’s younger twin who was having her turn in the nursery when I ws there. She’s bootiful!
And I also visited Hua Mei’s dad, Shi Shi, at the Guangzhou Zoo, where he is very well cared for and loved by his keepers.
Plus - here’s the bonus - I was told Hua Mei’s maternal grandmother (Bai Yun’s mother) is at the Panyu Safari World near Guangzhou so I went to check it out for myself. And one of the interpreters there confirmed that their Dong Dong is indeed the same Dong Dong who has a granddaughter called Hua Mei.
September 16th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
#43 Amanda
From what I heard, Wolong does not simply choose any cubs for release back into the wild. A cub is identified when young and brought up on a slightly different routine than the other cubs - a routine that teaches independence and self-reliance from young.
On the second last day of my volunteer trip to Wolong, I heard about the Panda Valley, a semi-wild area just beyond Wolong where a selected group of pandas live in controlled wild surroundings, which I take to mean no indoor enclosures and more reliance on their own ability to look for food. BUt these semi-wild pandas are fitted with GPS collars and part of a visit into Panda Valley includes tracking for these pandas. As it was almost the end of my stay in Wolong, and also due to budget constraints, I did not arrange for a trip into Panda Valley this time, but will certainly include it in my next trip, which I am planning for next year.
September 23rd, 2007 at 9:43 pm
No Matter how hard I try and understand I will never understand why man still finds ways to interfear with Mother Nature and the Panda’s should remain in there family circle to begin with at the San Diego Zoo and China should keep only ones that they have raised. Why do they always have to separate family?
We dont like it when we are separted so I think the whole thing is crazy and I fill very sorry for all the adjustments the animals have to make because man cant figure it out!
September 27th, 2007 at 12:55 am
Chet #48: Thank you so so much for the info. I’ve always been wondering how is Shi Shi (Hua Mei father’s) doing? Is he alive???? It came as a relief to me knowing that he is indeed still very much alive and well care for. I wish I could have a picture of him. I will try to make it to China next year. Did you get to hold and hug any of cubs? I’ll bet it must be very difficult to leave there.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Chi-Chi #51
I got a photo session with some of the 1-year-old cubs. Photo sessions can be arranged with payment (money goes towards the Centre’s work so it’s worth it) and usually with the one-year-olds cuz they’re still small enough to go near, and on occasions, the 2-year-olds, too.
The nursery has a large picture window and the incubators are placed right next to the window so visitors get a good look at the newborn cubs in there. But that’s as close to the newborns as we can get, until next year, when they turn 1!
It wasn’t very difficult for me to leave Wolong because I know I will be returning. Some of the other female volunteers, especially the ones who were there on their own, were crying when they left. The ones in groups were less emotional.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Chet, I want to go to China as a volunteer next Oct. 2008. Can you tell me how you go about it? Do you just go over or do you have to join a group?