Homeward Bound, Part 2
Posted at 10:09 am October 11, 2007 by Suzanne HallSee Suzanne’s previous blog, Homeward Bound, Part 1.
A panda cub in a large, natural pen at Wolong.
Since the middle of the last decade, significant changes have been afoot at the Wolong breeding center, ultimately to the benefit of the pandas as a whole. CRES researchers and other scientific and veterinary staff involved themselves, in collaboration with the Chinese researchers of Wolong, in all manner of inquiry about panda biology, nutrition, social dynamics, and reproduction. This effort resulted in a tremendous turnaround in captive panda management, and a population boom began at the world’s premier panda breeding center.
In developing a large, self-sustaining population in managed care, the giant panda species was provided with a type of buffer against stochastic events that might wipe out large swaths of the wild population, or minimize the ability of the wild bears to continue to maintain their numbers. It may sound like a reach to worry that wild pandas could suffer such a population bottleneck, but conservationists will tell you that population fragmentation (which the panda suffers due to encroachment by human homes, roads, and farms) plus rare catastrophic events (such as extreme climate fluctuations or mass bamboo die offs) can seriously damage the potential of any wild population to repair itself. The large breeding populations in captive facilities in China provide a type of managed reservoir of animal and genetic stock with which to guard against the loss of a species as a whole.
Suzanne observes two pandas wrestling inside one of the natural pens at Wolong.
Improving the reproductive output of the Wolong captive population was just the beginning. Once the population boom became a reality, other factors for panda management came into play. For instance, how does one house such a vigorously increasing group of bears? The answer: build more pens. But the staff of Wolong chose not to replicate the small pens of the past in addressing their expansions since 2000. Large, multi-hectare pens have been erected in which large areas of natural habitat adjacent to the breeding center have been fenced in. The enclosed trees, logs, grass, and rocks have been left as they were prior to the expansion, providing numerous and natural exhibit “furnishings” for bears to lie on, play with, or climb up. In this sense, these exhibits are better than those of any panda housed currently inside the U.S.; none of the pandas here can claim access to natural habitat and natural climactic conditions or such expansive spaces.
The large spaces can accommodate more than one bear per pen (personalities permitting), but even so, the increasing population of Wolong must invariably require that not all bears can roam the expansive native habitats all the time. Some bears must reside in the smaller original pens. At times, such as breeding or birthing season, these smaller pens are more conducive to proper management of bears who are being introduced for a mating, or for females who are “denned up” and will not utilize larger spaces as they would at other times. And yet, even during those times, the pens were rather inadequate to maintain healthy, curious animals. As such, these pens have also been refurbished over the years. Where once stood bare, dirt-and-cement housing yards, now sit pens with climbing structures, digging pits, and pools for water. Enrichment is provided to stimulate the bears and change up the everyday aspects of their housing situation. And best of all: no bear is relegated to the smaller pens for long. The animals all rotate through the larger native habitats on a regular basis so that each panda can reap the benefit of living in such a complex and natural space.
Exterior of the old pen rows, improved with bamboo plantings and handrails
Further structural improvements at Wolong have taken place outside the pens. Handrails have been placed to keep the visiting public back from the pen edges. Bamboo hedges have been planted to provide shade and a more natural facade around the smaller pens. To reduce the pandas’ stress, visitors are now generally limited to viewing pens from one side only, allowing the bears an area to retreat to when they want to distance themselves from the center’s tourist traffic. And significantly, a new, well-equipped veterinary hospital has been built to improve the health management of these animals.
This is the “home” Mei Sheng will return to soon. He can expect to be treated a bit like a celebrity, much as his sister has been. But even if he is “just one of the guys,” he will be afforded the opportunity to climb the highest trees and dig in native soil. There will be fragrant pine trees for him to sniff and rub against, large rocks for him to scratch against, and climate changes which will result in interesting variability too: snow, rhododendron blossoms, bamboo shoots, mud, ice, rain, fog, and mist in quantities he has never experienced in San Diego. Though he may be our California boy, I have no doubt that in short order his Chinese side will revel in the weather that is common to Wolong, China.
So, what started as an attempt to give you some history and insight into Wolong has turned into a lengthy descriptor of what Mei Sheng can expect and how it came to pass that the Wolong of today has transformed itself. And still I am not finished. Next week I will tell you more about Wolong from a more human perspective: mine. I visited there for three months in 2000, and then again in 2002, to conduct research on panda maternal care and breeding behavior. I’ll tell you a bit about what the goals of our research were, and what is was like to immerse myself in the radically different surrounds of the mountains of Sichuan.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician with the Giant Panda Unit of Applied Animal Ecology/CRES.
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October 11th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Thank you for a wonderful description and education on the Wolong facility. I have a question regarding Mei Sheng’s training. Was he trained to understand English or does his training use hand signals? Will he need to be “retrained” to understand Chinese?
October 11th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Thank you for all of the information on Wolong. It is greatly appreciated. Do you have more information on Hua Mei? How is she doing? What are the names of her cubs and are they all still at Wolong?
Thank you.
October 11th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Wow that was very insightful…I bet it is beautiful….
You know how they say dreams can come true….Well I dreamt that there was a leak in the ceiling of the den and the drops landed on the baby cub..And then poof baby pandas were popping off of her….about 10!!!! I’m afraid to peak in the den….!!!!
October 11th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Sounds like luxery to me. Can I go?
October 11th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you so much for providing the beautiful description of Mei Sheng’s future home. I know all who read it will be appreciative. I am looking forward to your next segment.
Sincerely,
Bobbie Wood
October 11th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you so much for your insight and information on Wolong. It’s so wonderful to think that these precious creatures will be treasured for years to come. I hope to go there some day.
Nancy
October 11th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Thanks, Suzanne, for the picturesque description and photos of Wolong. I am sure that much as changed, and improved since your research study time in 2002. JT Svoke from ZA spent three months there during mating season 2007. He gave weekly accounts of his travels in and around Chengdu, which is also in Sichuan area. Many times he mentioned other researchers from NZP and SDZ who were also there doing research during mating season. It sounded like the Research Center staff about doubled with all the “foreigners” there doing research for a couple of months.
I look forward to you sharing your observations and experiences at Wolong. One of the most vivid things I remember about JT’s comments was the dramatic change in weather and temperature. Since Wolong is so high in the mountains, and the Pandas naturally have a thick coat of fur to keep them warm, they don’t mind the ice, wind, snow, and rain like we do. When you described the Mud, rain, and snow, it reminds me of the tales of Mei Sheng and Su Lin and how they love “inclement” weather (to humans).
October 11th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Sounds like the major journeys for the month have begun. Gram the Rhino has made his trip to Kansas, and thanks to the patient training and great care Laura, his keeper, gave him he did great and was not overly stressed. Mei Sheng’s turn will come up soon, and hopefully all his keepers and husbandry staff training will make his journey similarly unstressed and he will arrive in his permanent home with his 190 or so relatives in great shape. He will doubtless be a tired boy for a couple of days due to the physical stress, the high altitude, etc. Which reminds me, did anyone observed any physical stress in Hua Mei from the higher altitude, and also the time change? Or of any other bears that returned to Wolong from other places, such as Shi Shi? NZP noted last year that the pandas were a bit startled early in the morning after the Spring time change and they were still sleeping when their keepers arrived earlier than they expected in the morning. It took them a couple of days of the new routine to settle in to the new timing. I know it takes my digestive system time to adjust to time changes, so I would think that animals might be affected as well. It often takes humans a couple of days to fully adjust to high altitude breathing. Maybe Pandas are so laid back, with no strenuous activity, so they are not affected as much???
October 11th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Hello all my panda friends, Mom said it’s time that I said good-bye to everyone. Please try not to cry or be sad for me. Since I was a baby mom has told me that this day would come. it is something a panda dreams of. I will be in a place that I belong, My true home. I know that Miss Suzanne has told you about Wolong and how beautiful it is, Plus all the ladies are there waiting for me. My sister Hua Mei is there with her children so I won’t be lonely. I will miss everyone my Mom,My sisters Su Lin and the new one that you call Bright Star,the Panda King showed her to me and she is Beautiful. To my keepers you are all so special to me, i will miss all of you and the fun we had, I’m sorry if I gave you a hard time. To all the people who came to see me, Thank you and all my blogger friends too.To Miss Pamela I will miss your wonderful poems and Mr. P.Wong your interviews were something. Miss Margret and Miss Maureen all your wonderful questions and your knowledge. To all love and peace and keep me in your thoughts. Love Mei Sheng
October 11th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Thank you Suzanne , It has eased my mind, but in my heart I will miss that sweet boy. I love that little smirk on his face. Just a note I saw the cutest new addition to your zoo the baby pigmy chimp they had a video on cnn and Mali is just adorable. congratulations
October 11th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
I live in the Atlanta area so I am more familiar with Yang Yang, Lun Lun and Mei Lan (our star) but I have been so saddened by all the bloggers regarding Mei Sheng leaving that I had to post. I hope everyone is ok when he leaves, as he will be in the environment that he belongs in and with several of his family members but I can understand why everyone is sad. I hate to even think about when Mei Lan has to go back to China, but I know it’s inevitable
( I love that baby girl like she is MINE lol and I have cried tears reading all your blogs. Just know that Mei Sheng will be “at home” in China and he will be well taken care of. I guess after Mei Lan leaves, I will be watching the “Bright Star” as you all call her (since I am already falling in love with her, too) 
) Good luck to Mei Sheng and to his keepers (I’m sure they will miss him). I think reading the letter from Mei Sheng is what got the tears really rolling……so sweet! Bye, Baby Boy..Have fun with all the other pandas!
October 11th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
What date is Mei Sheng actually leaving SDZ?
October 11th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Oh, Mei Shang, we will all miss you dearly. Be good to those panda ladies, and tell your big sister and nices and nephews Emma says hi (Suzanne, could you tell us how Hua Mei and her babies are????). I know for a fact you will love China and Wolong. We will keep watching Su and your beautiful baby sister, and seeing you come out in both of them. They might be different, but they (even the baby) can be goofy at times. I remember watching you, a rambunctius two-year-old, after Su Lin was born. My were you something!!! I never got the pleasure of watching you when you were a newborn. I wish I had, but I was too young then. So, I have only watched you from two and older. You have blessed me with the idea that I want to be a zoologist someday, and work with Giant Pandas. Your anticks were what really caused me to keep watching the cams. Without you, I would not have the Giant Panda asperation, and would not be writing this blog, and would not be tearing up at the thought of you leaving. Mama’s only baby boy, leaving. Have an awesome time with the other pandas and be a good boy. We will beg Suzanne and your other keepers to tell us how you are all the time. I love you Mei Shang, and will forever,
Love,
Emma, age 12, New York
October 11th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Thanks so much for the information Suzanne. It’s much easier to visualize what life will be like for Mei Sheng now. I feel far more comfortable about a happy future for him. Lack of knowledge created images of all kinds of bad scenarios for the young gentleman Panda from San Diego. I’m sure he’ll do Bai Yun and Gao Gao (and all the keepers!) proud.
Just saw Bai using her little one as a snout pillow! So cute!
October 11th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Suzanne Hall…Would it be possible for the
the custodians of Mei Sheng, attending him
on his journey, to get videos of him in his new
surroundings as well as videos of Hua Mei and
her offspring. This would indeed be a great
experience for all of us Pandaholics. I’m sure
you would need prior approval from Wolong
to do the video taping…so perhaps by pleading
early it might be possible.
October 11th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Thank you Suzanne for the beautifully written and heartfelt blog - it really does sound like a wonderful place - and I’m certain the big guy will be happy there - but gosh darn it - I’m still choked up and the letter from Mei Sheng completely ruined my makeup! Very, very sweet! I just can’t believe how emotionally attached I am to him - and all of the pandas - they are just so completely captivating, mysterious, beautiful - I can’t imagine my world without them. Kisses and hugs big guy - don’t forget to write us again!!
October 11th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
As I was not fortunate enough to watch MeiSheng grow up I didn’t really cry until I read “his” good-bye letter tonight. It sounds like his departure is any day now. But we must remember he is going home & from Suzanne’s description about Wolong I know he’ll be happy there. Have a safe trip my man & may you father many cubs. As you are so famous am sure we’ll hear about you often.
October 11th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Dear Mei Sheng, thank you for your good-bye message, you’ve made me cry. You are very special. I hope Wolong can keep us posted about you.
Dear Suzanne, I feel better after knowing more about Wolong and am looking forward to read more from you, thank you.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Suzanne, you made Wolong sound so wonderful that my first thought was we should send all our pandas back so that they can have such wonderful surroundings! Then I remembered how much we would miss them and how much they have enriched our lives. How selfish of me to want them to stay here and never leave. My husband and I hope to see the new princess in December when we visit SDZ.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Oh, boy–am I glad I was in the privacy of my own home when I read Mei Sheng’s letter. I’m a mess!
Suzanne, thank you for detailing Wolong for those of us who have never been lucky enough to see it for ourselves. Mei Sheng is so very special, my greatest hope is that this transition is a smooth one for him. Will we be able to get updates on his progress when he gets there? I love this big boy and even though I’ve known his departure was unavoidable, it’s so hard to see him off. I know all of us Pandaholics would love to hear how his trip goes and how he’s fitting in to his new home. Please ask Wolong to take extra good care of our boy…
October 12th, 2007 at 5:53 am
Cheryl, #15, great idea. Since videos and photos are taken when pandas leave Wolong and come to the US, I imagine there will be pictures taken when he arrives. Video and photos of Hua Mei’s grand arrival ceremonies were broadcast on the news worldwide. I suspect that Mei Sheng’s arrival will be equally big news for the Chinese. It marks a tremendous success in Giant Panda breeding, birth, and raising to adolescence. It is no small feat to bring a Panda cub into this world, and to transport him from one continent to another safely.
October 12th, 2007 at 6:49 am
Oh Mei Sheng, Baby Boy! Thanks for writing your good bye message to us. I certainly hope that your journey be pleasant and safe. I pray this isn’t the end for us. I hope to see you again one day. I will miss you much. Make us all proud kiddo! Love you!
To Suzanne, thank you very much on your detail descriptions of Wolong. It has certainly improved much and it’s so beautiful there. I hope to make it ther one day to see Hua Mei and Sheng again. I hope SDZ can chronicle and video tape Mei Sheng’s journey and life in Wolong. Blessings to you all!
Much love to all pandas and panda fans!
October 12th, 2007 at 7:53 am
Thank you Suzanne, once again, for a beautifully written and compelling report on Wolong. It should set all our minds at ease about Mei Sheng. He will certainly revel in the snow; I can see him now tumbling/sliding down one of the hillsides.
I found it interesting that you mentioned “digging pits”, and that Sheng will be able to dig in native soil. I have been an avid watcher of USA pandacams for years, and have never seen the bears digging nor heard/read of them doing so.
October 12th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Oh Mei Sheng,
You Sweet, Sweet Panda. You jumped into my heart the first time I saw you and there you will stay forever! You were only 6 months old and playing so cute while your Mom and Dad were sleeping away. I live far, but watched you grow into a Handsome Panda Boy on that wonderful Panda Cam that SDZ has for all of us. I was fortunate to see you 4 more times, with the last vist, I was able to celebrate your 4th Bithday with you. It was awesome just like you. The tears will flow, but that’s because I will miss you very much. You’re one very Special Panda. I been to Wolong and it is really beautiful there. I know you will like it, but remember, You are always welcome to come back. I wish you and your company a very safe and wonderful trip. It’s never easy to let go, but maybe, I’ll be able to see you again! I hope your Keepers get to see you again too. It has to be very hard for them to let go of their wonderful baby boy, but you will be in their hearts too. Take care,send pictures and stories. We all will be looking for the updates.
Hugs and Kisses, to You Always,
P.S.
Thank You to SDZ, all the Doctors, Assistants, Keepers, Staff, Volunteers, Meerkats,etc. for all the research and education you share with us. All the care and love you give and bringing Mei Sheng and his Wonderful Family into our homes, so we can also share this wonderful experience. Who would think, 20 years ago we would be able to watch a wild panda give birth and raise a baby in her den, on something that looks like alittle tv!! Such fun and fortunate it is that we can peek at a part of Natures Beauty!
October 12th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Farewell, Mei Sheng
You gave us so much; such remarkable joy;
Our first American Panda boy.
Our Prince, our clown, our smiling bear,
Scattering happiness everywhere.
We wish you happiness, all the best
We know that we’ve been richly blessed
To have you even this short while.
You’ve made so many people smile!
We’ve shared your life for four short years.
Now we all share bitter tears.
Though you go to your ancient Home, we know,
It hurts so much to see you go.
And we understand why this must be,
But our broken hearts follow you over the sea,
As the plane that carries you off takes wing.
Good-Bye, Godspeed, We Love You, Mei Sheng.
October 12th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Suzanne, thank you for the beautiful description of Mei Sheng’s new home. It helped put my mind at ease to know that ‘our’ bears will be going to such a panda-friendly home, even better than the homes they have here. It’s reassuring to know that ‘our’ pandas will always be well cared for. Thanks to all of you for the work you do for the pandas. And best wishes to Mei Sheng when the new phase in his life begins.
October 12th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Conversation with Mei Sheng #19
Tourist: Hello, Mei Sheng.
Mei Sheng: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: Now what have you got here? Looks like some certificates.
M: Oh, they’re my diplomas.
T: Diplomas?
M: Yeah, one is my degree in landscape architecture.
T: Oh, that’s right. You got that when you attended university.
M: Uh huh. I aim to get first hand experience in dirt pit designs when I get to China.
T: Well, you certainly gained professional expertise in topiary management while here.
M: And before I leave, I plan on designing and building a race track.
T: Oh, with your civil engineering degree, right?
M: Right.
(back in the panda cub den)
Bright Star: Squeak, squeak (Dear Panda King. Would you please remind Brother Sheng that I drive on the left side of the road? Thank you.)
October 14th, 2007 at 8:28 am
Well Pooper,
It doesn’t look like i’m going to make it over one last time. At least we made it over for your birthday again this year. I will always keep the video we took of you hanging upside down from your tree that Sunday Morning, while you were trying to play with your presents that fell off of your perch.
It’s been a great 4 years and i know my son will always remember his first panda too. From the first day you were born, we watched you grow from a playful lil rascal into the majestic creature that you are today, and yet still so playful. Sometimes it’s hard to remember you are still a bear until we look at the pics of your teeth as you chomp through that bamboo.
Have a safe trip to Woolong my old friend, make us proud and maybe one day when my son is older you will look out into the crowd over there and see a pair of familiar faces looking back at you with pride in their hearts and maybe a tear or two in their eyes.
Until then…
TonyMo
October 14th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Mei Sheng, I can’t help but keep thinking about your impeding departure.
Pamela G. #25, thanks for the beautiful poem. I share the same feelings.
Love U always, Mei Sheng. God bless you always.
October 14th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Pamela G. #25 - Many thanks for your poem, it is lovely. It does bring some tears, but that is o.k. Many of us will miss the handsome Mei Sheng, and he is deserving of some tears, he has brough us much joy. I believe you also wrote a lovely poem about Bai Yun and the cub. I loved that one, too. Thought I had kept it for my files, but have lost it I’m afraid. Is there anyway you can let me know the date you sent it. I believe I can search for it in the archives, have tried that and am almost cross-eyed searching. If you know the date, could you please post it so that I can keep a copy of your poetry for myself? It would be much appreciated. I will keep this one, too - as it will alway remind me of Mei Sheng, who I love dearly for the many hours of happiness he has brought.
Thank you.
Moderator’s note: Pamela G sent two lovely poems to the blog, Shifting Gears http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/shifting-gears/
October 14th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
When you go to Woolong with Mei Sheng can you give us an update on Hua Mei and maybe some pictures? I am always sad when the young Pandas have to go back to China to fulfill their destiny. After watching them be born and grow up via Panda Cam and visits to the Zoo I am attached to them and I don’t interact with them every day. Mei Sheng has been a joy to watch and I hope he is happy in China.
October 14th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Mei Sheng:
I have watched you since you were born and am sad that you are leaving for China but am also proud of you and the SDZ staff for all your accomplishments. May you go to Wolong and show those “hottie” pandas what a “California boy from the States” is made of! We look forward to hearing about your success(es) (offspring) over in China.
We will miss seeing/hearing about your antics and hope that the kind staff in Wolong will keep us posted. You know how us bloggers long to hear any news about Shi Shi and of course your sister Hua Mei (I wonder if you will remember/recognize her?) Tell her Hi from all of us.
Be sure to brag about your Mom & Pop here in the States and don’t forget your other sisters, especially Su Lin (who else will she be able to have tree conversations with once you leave?). Be a brave boy and know in spirit that we are all sending our love your way even if it is through teary eyes!
October 14th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
As much as we are all going to miss pooper and his antics.. i can’t even fathom the heartache that Susan and the rest of the panda team must be feeling about now. Knowing that his days with us are now down into the sigle digit numbers.. and by this time next week our boy will be on to his new home. tears must be flowing. memory files are working over time to savor every last glimpse, every last minute with him before he leaves.
We can’t thank you all enough for sharing your boy with us the last 4 years. Please know our hearts are breaking with yours. Somehow, we’ll get past this, and we’ll all remember him together.
TonyMo
October 15th, 2007 at 5:59 am
Suzanne, how can we sure that Mei Sheng will not have the same fate that the panda who was freed and died after some months, in a fight with the wild pandas? That is my worst feeling.
October 15th, 2007 at 9:44 am
Moderator…thank you very much. Pamela G’s poetry is lovely, and thanks to you I have now found the first poem that I just loved. I will not lose it this time.
My heart goes out to all who have had close contact with Mei Sheng, and also to all of his fans, he has been such a special boy to so many of us. He will be sorely missed, but I believe he will be well loved in Wolong, too, and that helps to ease the pain somewhat. .. but, just somewhat.
October 15th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Pamela G, Thank you for the beautiful words, I don’t think anyone could have said it better.
Mei Sheng you beautiful boy, you have made our lives a little better everyday that we got to see that smile and that beautiful face of yours. have a great journey my sweet and enjoy all the ladies in your new home, A thought of you will always bring a smile to our faces and a tear to our eye. Love.
October 15th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Amanda #34,
Because of his “advanced” age, history of close contact with people while in captivity, and “celebrity” status, Mei Sheng is a very poor candidate for release to the wild. A good candidate has had little exposure to people or has already been a wild panda, and is a bear with very common genetic stock (which, as Gao Gao’s son, Mei Sheng is not).
October 16th, 2007 at 6:06 am
Suzanne #37 Thank you for reassuring us that Mei Sheng will never ever be released into the wild. I couldn’t bear to have that happen to him.
October 16th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Suzanne,
Will Mei Sheng be housed in the natural enclosures or the old ones? I hope he gets to play in the nature playground, and not cooped up in the old enclosures! Thanks for all the info you’ve provided thus far.
Mei Sheng, I’m on vacation in Oregon, but still can’t help but think about you everyday, as your departure gets closer. I will think about you always! I even have pictures of your with me when I travel. You are one special panda boy! Make us all proud, baby boy! I enjoyed my visits with you last month. You are still so silly when you climbed up to the top of the tree you once slept in as a cub, and bounced on the branches!!! I was afraid for you, but you didn’t blink an eye! Talk about a boy who knows how to have fun! Thanks for all the great poses for the pictures I took of you! You are definitely a ham, and totally “Unforgettable!” God bless you!
Thanks again, SDZ for doing such a great job with bringing up all the pandas kids, Hua Mei, Mei Sheng, Su Lin, and baby girl.
Love you always Mei Sheng!
October 16th, 2007 at 11:01 am
I see our boy is having a snooze in the shade. What a gorgeous guy he is!! I am making the most of his camshots now. I will really miss his antics. Wolong is definitely getting the best we can offer. My most fervent hope is that someday they will let us KEEP one of our babies. This loss will leave an empty space, and I know the Panda staff are going to need hankies the day he ships out. My heart goes out to you ALL.
October 16th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
I have always been curious about the pandas’ interaction with other pandas. In the US, the adolescents are kept by themselves. How will Sheng react when he is placed in an environment shared with other pandas? In China the cubs are raised together and seem to enjoy playing together. And yet Su Lin and Mei Sheng were kept apart. Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are often together in the same yards and are playful together. Suzanne, can you explain why in the US the pandas are mostly kept isolated? I know that, in the wild, they are solitary animals. But the philosophies of the US and China are different for pandas in captivity with regard to this issue.
October 17th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Susan #41,
There are two good reasons for the difference between Wolong and San Diego with regard to policies about putting bears together:
1- Age of weaning. In China, cubs are weaned by six months and so are housed with others to provide the companionship they miss in the absence of their mother. In San Diego, we wean at 18 months, so early companionship with other bears isn’t necessary.
2- Space. In Wolong, they must house bears together because of the size of their captive population. They simply don’t have room to give everyone their own pen.
October 17th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Suzanne– This question was probably answered when Hua Mei went back, but is there an issue with Sheng learning Chinese commands? I know hand signals and whistles or clickers are used in training, but it is my understanding that a verbal is also used. Do the Wolong people have English speaking keepers to help transition to Chinese?
October 17th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Hi Suzanne,
Was wondering what are the possibility of Hua Mei or Mei Sheng ever returning to the SDZ? If so, what is your projection, if not why not?
Since the zoo is up for renegotiation next year, what are the possibilities of that request? Will SDZ still have pandas? Thank you.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Barb#40, I totally agree with you. Mei Sheng’s departure will definitely leave a big hole in our hearts. What a precious boy! He is so perfect! I hope they treat him well in China. He definitely deserves it!
Tears can’t help, but falling….
October 18th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
I keep comming back to make sure he’s still here.. and he is.
Maybe if i keep comming back he wont have to leave at all.
October 19th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Tony Mo, #46, I wish that was the case myself too!!!
October 19th, 2007 at 10:10 am
I kept getting error messages on SDZ website when I clicked in this morning, and actually felt panic that Mei might be starting his long journey this morning….WHEW, apparently just a lot of folks wanting to peek in at the same time. Trying to stoke myself for the upcoming event, but, as you know, it is hard.
October 19th, 2007 at 10:10 am
TonyMo#46 Wouldn’t that be great
October 19th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Barbara, #48, The China People’s Daily actually has Mei Sheng’s arrival info on their website. I stumbled across it this morning. According to their article, Mei Sheng will be in Wolong the afternoon of 10/31, and there he wil be quarantined for 30 days before joining his kin folks! Hope that helps. I know that we all do not want him to leave ever, but unfortunately, that is what the agreement stipulated. Wish that China could allow us to keep one of the offsprings one day.
Thanks to all pandaholics who share that same feelings as I do. Blessings to you all, and of course, Mei Sheng and all the pandas!
October 24th, 2007 at 7:21 am
Does anybody know where in san diego i can buy a helicopter, 2 parachutes, a winch, some strong cable and of course a saftey seat for the helicopter suitable for a rather large 4 year old? oh and a cloaking device might be helpful as well.
October 24th, 2007 at 7:24 am
ok scratch that..
PLAN B
does anyone have a rather large over coat, that would fit a 4 year old that’s more round than he is tall.. and a top hat? We can just walk him out the front gate. We’ll say he’s my son, dressed up as Paddington Panda for halloween.