Mei Sheng’s Journey Begins
Posted at 12:20 pm November 5, 2007 by Angie Fiore
Fellow panda keeper Kathy Hawk and I, as well as staff accompanying him to China, arrived at the San Diego Zoo at 2 a.m. to secure Mei Sheng in his travel crate and send him on his way to China. Like the good bear he is, he was awake and waiting for us when we went down to his exhibit, despite being four hours early with his breakfast. I fed Mei Sheng some biscuits and apples, and he immediately went into his travel crate for more. After securing the crate door, both Kathy and I fed him some more biscuits, apples, yams, and carrots, and then gave him some bamboo.
As usual, we moved him out to the service road where a forklift was waiting, which he was used to, as this was part of his normal training sessions. This time, however, he was loaded onto a truck. He handled it all quite well, remaining very calm and eating the whole time. After his crate was secured and packing lists double checked, Kathy and I fed him some more treats and said our very difficult goodbyes. Then Mei Sheng, accompanied by several Zoo staff, set out for the airport. We are glad to report that he arrived safely at the airport and is being loaded on the plane as I write this blog. Our team members report that he remained calm during the entire ride up, either resting or snacking.
He will soon arrive in China, his new home. We hope to report more soon from our panda team as his journey continues. We’d also like to express thanks for all the wonderful messages and well wishes from all the panda bloggers. Your kindness does indeed lift our spirits.
Angie Fiore is a keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
Listen to an iZoofari Chat about Mei Sheng, with keeper Kathy Hawk.
Moderator’s note: Many of you have sent in comments regarding Mei Sheng’s arrival at Wolong, based on outside news sources. We are waiting to hear from our own team that accompanied Mei Sheng to China and will post the information when it becomes available. Communication out of Wolong can sometimes be difficult—patience, please.
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November 5th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
For some reason I didn’t believe it would happen. Now that he’s really gone, I’m so sad. I know it’s for the good of the species, but it doesn’t make it feel any better. Godspeed little bear.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Thanks for the update, Angie. I cried for you when I read your message. I am sure it was a very bittersweet morning for you and Kathy. However, you were blessed to have a few minutes of special time with Mei Sheng to say your personal goodbyes. He is a great boy, and will have an adventure on his trip. What panda could resist all those special treats to go on a trip!?
I must say that I stopped breathing for a second when I read he was on his way to China, although I knew in my mind and heart that he must be. We were blessed to have him with us for an extra week because of the fires, but now he must be on his way to his glorious future in the misty mountains of Wolong.
Keep those placid images of him this morning, as he thoroughly enjoyed his special treats from you for one last time. May they sustain you through this long, and somewhat sad day. I am sure you will both rest well tonight from sheer mental and emotional exhaustion.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
He will be missed by all of us. He’s such a happy guy! I hope the media covered his departure so we can see him off too.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
A sad day for us, but a good day for his species. Safe journey Panda Prince.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Mei Sheng we thank you so much for your time with us and your wonderful memories! Make us proud in China- enjoy your new life among your “relatives”. We send much love with you!
November 5th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Bye Bye sweet boy.
And heartfelt thoughts to all of you at the Zoo that have gotten so close to him. It’s hard for us, but I know much harder for you.
Mei Sheng…you will always be in our hearts! Can’t wait to hear news about your adventures in China.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Although I have never seen Mei Sheng in person I have watched him on the panda cam. I dont know how the keepers can give him up, as it must be heartwrenching for you all. I know he will be in a good place and hopefully make lots of little panda babies, but its still hard to know he is gone. Bye bye Mei Sheng!
November 5th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
For those who are feeling “down,” check out the blogs of the other animals at the SDZ and WAP and how those young animals are also growing up fast, and some of them are also moving away to fulfill their destinies. We must keep this in perspective.
Many of us made donations to the October Wish List for the other animals in Mei Sheng’s honor. He would want all of us to focus on the plight of all endangered species, not just pandas.
The blogs of the other animals are also very educational, and entertaining as well. It will help you brighten up, and lighten up, and hopefully put a smile back on your face. They did for me.
Moderator’s note: Great reminder, Margaret! We have blogs in other categories such as “Animal Stories,” “Zoo Journal,” and “Zoo InternQuest” (written by student interns). They can all be found in the gold side bar. And our monthly Wish List can be found at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/adopt/adopt_wishlist.html
November 5th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Have a safe journey Mei! We’re hoping that your arrival will be televised as you are indeed a celebrity. And we’ll be watching for you on the Woolong cams as soon as possible. Godspeed Panda Prince!
November 5th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
It’s time for you to leave us, for you have a job to do.
To create more lovely panda cubs, to walk this earth with you.
You hold our hearts within your grasp, our dreams your life has sown,
Now you go forth to make a life, In a land you’ve never known.
Oh the wonders you will see, the joy of a new world you’ll share,
Adorable, sweet panda bear, you’re home will always be here.
I’ll just say “So long” and not goodbye, good wishes and please take care,
I’ll remember you with fondness still, Mei Sheng, my sweet panda bear.
I’ll miss you! Darleen Wirt
Copyright 11/5/07
November 5th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Kathy, Angie and the entire Panda team. I too had tears for all of you, I know this must had been the hardest thing to do but at least Mei had you with him to guide him on the start of his journey.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
So it really happened… best wishes to Mei Sheng on his long journey and new adventures; and our hearts go out to you, SDZ staff who have cared for and loved him. Four years goes by much too quickly…
November 5th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Mei Sheng, who will always be our baby, has grown up and is on his way to a new life at Wolong. For those of us watching from the East Coast living near the National Zoo, we wonder how we will deal with Tai Shan leaving. So now we’re watching as the San Diego Zoo staff prepare to send off another little bear that they helped to raise from a little cub. I can only imagine what they are going through at the moment. But if it helps, many of us out here in pandcam land want the San Diego staff to know that we sincerely appreciate all of the work that they do and support them at this time. We will all miss Mei Sheng, but at the same time we are very proud of him and everthing that he represents. I liken Mei Sheng’s journey to him going off to college at Wolong.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
well in my heart i was hoping he wouldnt have to go but as i came on to the site i see he has gone but will never be forgotten safe trip mei sheng i hope you will like your new home maybe some day you might to come back that would be nice i love you mei sheng and i know they will all love you too in china
November 5th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
I remember the day when my little dog Lucky, passed away.
He was seriously ill, but I have never believed that will hapen one day!
So, today I fell the same feelings : my heart is empty, sad, lonely.
My baby boy is in his journey and a great new life is waiting for. It’s hard to believe!
Unfortunately, 4 years passed so quicky.
Thank you, Mei Sheng and all of Panda Staff for the great and happy moments I’ve had with you.
I hope you are enjoying your flight!
You will be my favorite baby panda forever!
November 5th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Bye Bye Big Guy—you will be missed and we have cherished every moment with you….you are trully a wonderful character! You will be missed.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Although it was difficult, as Ms Fiore stated, to say goodbye to Mei Sheng, the keepers must have been very proud of how he handled the departure procedures. Congratulations to all of you who worked so patiently, creatively, and with undoubtedly affection, for the training’s successful outcome. Thank you for all the time you put into helping Mei Sheng accept this monumental change in his life so calmly and fearlessly!
While we are all sad to see him go, it is a big relief that Mei Sheng did not have to endure any undue stress.
I am somewhat concerned about the only part of the trip which you could not practice: the plane ride. But I look forward to reading future blogs assuring us that Mei Sheng absorbed this new experience with aplomb.
I hope the trees in Wolong are ready for this high-climbing panda! All of us are eager to see photos and read articles about his happy life in his new homeland.
Thank you again for all that you do for “our” pandas.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
I cried. I only found this site about two months ago and it’s the focal point of my day. I will miss Mei Sheng - he has such a wonderful character. I am in England and I so wish I could have seen him before he left, but through the webcam I feel I am there.
I look forward to reports from China and hope his journey goes well.
Goodbye, you lovely gorgeously daft bear. Lots of love to all of you.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
#13, Laylah, as I watched Tai Shan in person on Saturday, I pondered the same thing. We will react the same I imagine and be intensely sad. Hopefully Mei Xiang will have a successful pregnancy next year, maybe with Gao Gao again, and we will have another sweet young cub to focus on like Ming Zhu.
What all of this brings to the forefront of my mind is how incredibly precious a treasure all of these animals are, and what a price-less privilege we have to see them up close either in person or virtually via web cameras.
We owe it to all of them, as well as ourselves and succeeding generations, to visit them, study them, support them in whatever way we can, and most of all to do all we personally can to help preserve this planet for all life that is now residing on it.
Whether you believe in Global Warming or not, we all are contributing to the constant pollution of our skies, land, and water. We need to do our part to minimize the negative impact of our presence on the planet. When we do, and find viable productive alternatives we will provide more land and better conditions for all the endangered animals, and people, we are trying to protect. Money can only solve part of the issues, conservation and education in a better way are urgently needed for all mankind from the richest to the poorest residents of Earth, after all this in HOME for all of us.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
If you need/want a great laugh, go to National Zoological website and look at Tian Tian and Mei Xiang lounging on the patio. They are a riot of true panda “laziness.” They must be enjoying the last warm sunny afternoon on the East Coast for a while, after having a rigorous play bout this morning.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Farewell Mei Sheng…my special prince… I am so grateful for you to be in my life…you are in my heart…you’re going to your homeland….the land your mom told you about, the land that you have dreams about…it’s full of beatutiful pandas just like you and it’s so beautiful there….be healthy and strong…kisses and hugs…I love you….
November 5th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
I’m so sad, but it must be good for Mei Sheng and good of the species.
To all staff of Panda Team, thank you for taking good care of him for 4 years and letting us watch him on the Panda Cam.
I hope his life is wonderful in China.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
:( The thing I have dreaded to read coming to PandaCam has come true. Every time before, I held my breath and then when our favorite fuzzy boy was still here, I smiled in relief. Until this time. One day the smiles will return when I see any of my other special bears, but for now, there’s just an empty spot in my heart. We can take comfort in the fact that Mei Sheng was so relaxed at the start of his journey, a true testament at how well the keepers who love and care for him daily had prepared him for this sad day. I know my sadness can nowhere near match what yours must be.
I know we all look forward to hearing that our loveable boy is safe and settled in his new home. We can only hope and pray that he adjusts well and has many other people that will love and care for Mei Sheng as well as he was here. He’s sure to win over many new hearts that come to know and enjoy his adorable personality. And hopefully all of Mei’s fans back home will be able to check up on him and have him grace our computer screens from afar. You take our love with you, Mei Sheng—Safe journey!
November 5th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
I anticipated this move with a lot of apprehension. But not as much as the panda staff, I am sure. Angie and Kathy, I hope you take comfort in knowing that you have been part of an awsome team helping prepare Mei Sheng for his travels. What a bright and smart and sweet boy he is. He will be sorely missed here but bring a great deal of joy to all he meets in China. It is such a privilege to to watch pandas grow and develop. Thank you for taking such good care of all of them.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Angie, I cried for you, too. Your writing shows just how much love and care and how attached you are to this special little guy. My thoughts to Kathy, too as well as the rest of the staff at SDZ. Comfort to all of you.
Mei Sheng, sweet and precious one…..you are so missed by so many.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Thank you for the entry on the preparation of Mei Sheng’s departure. I wondered if you guys cried when you said your goodbyes because from just reading this blog, my eyes swelled up, and I have just known him for only a month via the cam! I had a dream this morning of Mei Sheng’s preparation for his departure. With the time difference between Wisconsin and CA, I think I might actually “see” him preping to leave.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Farewell Mei Sheng. Question for moderator - Once Mei Sheng gets to China - how is he kept identified? Has he an implanted chip? When they are altogether, I would think his identity would be lost. I’ve often wondered this, seeing photos from China with all babies together. Who knows who is who?
November 5th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
MAN! I’ve just got to stop reading some of these at work. Not all my coworkers understand why I am so emotional! GAD!!
Good-bye sweet prince. Safe journeys to you and I too will be watching the news to see if we get to see your most anticipated arrival in your native land. Bring lots of new ones into the world with your wonderful genes and your exceptional personality!!
THANKS SDZ for the update and letting us know Sheng had finally departed. It is bittersweet but so much good will come from this. God Bless, everyone!!!
November 5th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
God’s speed Mei Sheng.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Godspeed.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Thank you for updating the camera information, and for bringing Gao Gao back to the front for all to enjoy. I thought my eyes were deceiving me earlier when I saw what appeared to be a different panda on C2 or C3. I did a double take and couldn’t see if there was a different ear or not. It didn’t look like Su Lin, but that is who had been on that camera so I thought I must be mistaken.
I look forward to seeing more of “Daddy-O” in the coming months as his “daughter” grows big enough and strong enough to make her public “debut” in a few months.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
#19 and #20 Margaret: Thanks for the laugh. Mei Sheng’s Aunt Mei Xiang and Uncle Tian Tian keep me laughing. Also, what made me smile was Mei Sheng’s picture. He’s a very handsome panda. I can see how people get easily attached him.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Thanks Mei Sheng for all the happy moments. To SDZ staff to take care and love the pandas and others animals. Like a young boy he left his home today to have a new one in the land of his parents.
Have a safe trip dear boy
November 5th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Goodbye for now, my black and white furry friend. I’m looking forward to the day when the announce the birth of your first cub. What a special legacy that cub will have!! I hope that your cubs grow up to be just like their daddy, one special and whimsical bear.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
I visited Mei Sheng on Saturday to say my goodbye in person. He was absolutely adorable - as always - this time prancing around his exhibit - waiting for his lunch no doubt - and giving his long line of visitors a great show. He really is such a beautiful bear - so handsome. His new bride will be a very lucky panda. Not so little Ms. Su Lin was so cute - running to look through the howdy gate to see what big brother was up to - what all the fuss was about - and I’m sure wishing him farewell too. Safe travels big guy - and Angie and staff - please update us on his trip and how he is adjusting to his new home. Kisses & hugs!
November 5th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
When Mei Sheng has arrived at his destination, and it is “safe” for you to do so, please tell us that he was not in the air in an airplane for 20 straight hours. Surely they had to stop somewhere in the Pacific to refuel and rest the plane, the zoo people, and Mei Sheng. I am sure that they are landing and taking off as few times as possible for his stress and safety, but I can’t imagine traveling 10 hours straight from Washington DC to Honululu, never mind 20 hours from SD/LA to Shanghai.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
The tears started again after reading Angie’s post. I guess deep down in my heart, I harbored this little hope that at the last minute, China would say, “You can keep him!” I feel so sad…I keep thinking about Mei Sheng’s feelings…like, is he going to miss the only home and the only people he has ever known? is he going to be lonely? will the keepers love him enough? My husband just shakes his head and says, “Marcia! Quit putting human emotions onto animals!” But I can’t help it!
Go with God, little Mei Sheng. Thank you for letting us have you these years.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
My daughter and I have so enjoyed watching Mei Sheng and will miss seeing his sweet face on the “Panda Cam” every day. We know his move to China is for the greater good of all pandas yet it is still very difficult to accept that he is no longer close by and that we can no longer see that special little guy just doing what he does best… being a wonderful, beautiful panda. At least we have the memories of him and we hope we will get frequent updates on how life is going for him in China. We love you Mei Sheng and want nothing but the best life for you in China but always when we think of you, we will have a tear in our eyes and a vacant spot in our hearts now that you have gone.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Watching Mei Sheng grow got me through some long winter months here in MN. It was just about the highlight of my trip to San Diego in January 2006 when I got to see him in person - I think I came back to the panda area three times that day! I too wish him Godspeed on his journey, and will always have a place in my heart for him and the joy he brought.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Good bye my sweet bear! Even tho I’m not as emotionally attached to you as I am to Tai Shan, you are no less important, and I have shed my tears at your leaving.
Thank-you all for the care, training, and love you gave to Mei Sheng. Thank-you all for sharing him with us out here in the world. Quite the special prince he is! I look forward to hearing about him in the future and hope he fares well!
November 5th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Safe journey Mei Sheng. We’ll miss you.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
It is with eyes that can no longer cry that I write these words to the Zoo’s Panda Keepers and Staff. Mei Sheng’s departing is more to me than saying good-bye to him. But a very close friend of mine passed a way a month ago who lived in DC. She was a volunteer for the Giant Pandas at the National Zoo. I visited your Mei Sheng with her in August just a few months ago. We came out to see Mei Sheng before he left for China.
Mei Sheng’s departure stung my heart because it meant also letting go of my dear friend too!
She was to see him in China next year but that will never happen now. I cried many a tears about his departure! Realizing that there is no way to let go without many a tears.
I thought about all the Keeprs having to say good-bye to something they loved so much! And I cry for you too.
Your boy Mei Sheng represents all the wonderful, incredible gifts of unconditional love you give your pandas.. For that a thousand thank you’s would never be enough for this heavy heart!
Be PROUD of all you have accomplished with your Giant Pandas. Because this Panda Lover is VERY proud YOU ALL!
November 5th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Although my heart is sad, and I have this empty feeling in the pit of my stomach, I keep reminding myself that as Mei Sheng has said goodbye to one set of keepers, zoo friends, and admirers, he is about to meet a whole new group of devoted keepers, staff, and Chinese admirers.
We must remember that Pandas are the Chinese treasure, and they will treat him like the Prince he is. They will thoughtfully pick out a “bride” for him, just like they picked a “groom” for their very special Bai Yun, who is/was a Chinese celebrity and national treasure.
They have loaned two of their most treasured animals, Bai Yun and Gao Gao to the SDZ, and we should be appreciative, and make the best of their time here. They did not have to loan them to SDZ, nor did they have to renew and extend the agreement to keep them here longer than originally agreed.
To give the Chinese the son, and first born, of that union is a small price to pay for the price-less gift of many years of enjoyment of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, and to watch their two other offspring grow up in our midst.
We have much to be thankful for, as has been stated earlier, in this month of Thanksgiving. We should be focusing on the blessings of having Mei Sheng here with us to brighten our lives, to entertain us with his silly ways, and to teach us with his many contributions to the conservation of pandas worldwide. Much of the knowledge gained from him has already benefited other pandas around the world.
For all the joy, the happiness, and the wonderful 4 years we had with Mei Sheng, we thank our first Panda Prince(Tai Shan is panda prince #2), San Diego Zoo panda research staff, and Wolong Research Center for Giant Pandas. You gave us your best and for that we are deeply grateful.
November 5th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Hi, Angie, thanks for keeping all of us posted. I am sure it must have been very emotional as all of us who are here far away and did not have direct contact with Mei Sheng are feeling sad. We appreciate the job you are all doing. All I can say is that the four years went so fast, that I still cannot believe it. Mei Sheng was just two when Su Lin was born, and all of these years have gone so fast. Our gratitude to you and all of them at the Panda team, Suzanne and all.
November 5th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
From the day of his birth I watched this beautiful boy. He was a joy. I remember one time he climbed into a tree that Bai Yun thought was too high. She stood in front of the tree for quite a while (I imagined she was telling him in Pandanese to get down!) He finally did come down to a point where she could grab him, which she did. She carried him upside down to a spot and put him down…again he got spoken to. He didn’t move from that spot for a very long time — mama had spoken! What a cute cub he was. And what a handsome guy he grew into.
We will all miss him terribly…but, my heart does go out to Angie, Kathy, and the people who were closest to him. You all took mighty good care of that sweet boy. Many blessings to you all — and, of course, to Mei Sheng.
November 5th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Margaret,
In San Diego is Monday, 15:20 pm and in Wolong is Tuesday, 5,54 Am
So, Mei Sheng w’ont spend 20 hours if he’ll arrive at Shangai Airport at 7 pm.
November 5th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Sad day for San Diego/great day for Panda
prosperity! Bye bye my sweet prince. May the
Panda gods smile upon you and multipy you
many many times over.
November 5th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
For every one of us waving goodbye to Mei Sheng today, there is someone else waving a joyful and excited welcome to him, ready to make him feel loved and treasured in China.
I am in awe of you at the San Diego Zoo for all you do to make sure these wondrous animals survive and thrive.
And Margaret, #8, thanks for the reminder–I have begun to enjoy reading about some of the other SDZ residents
November 5th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Susan, #42, what beautiful words, and so hard for you to say. My heart goes out to you in the loss of your dear friend. To say “goodbye” is so painful for you right now, as it brings closure to a very very special part of your life. The bond you and your friend had, and the time you both shared with Mei Sheng, is very special, and I am sure will be treasured by you for life.
Although your friend did not make it to Wolong next year, I am sure she treasured in her heart your joint visit to see Mei Sheng at SDZ. She did not have to endure the pain of saying goodbye to him, and you, as you are now doing since they have both departed.
Hopefully when you see images of Mei Sheng in his new life in Wolong you will be able to smile again and relive the happy visit you and your friend had to SDZ in August. My heart aches for you, and brings many tears, when I think of how sad you must be right now.
November 5th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
I started viewing this website not long after the new baby arrived. It took me a fraction of a nano-second to become hooked and have since spent countless hours viewing the pandas and others. As with the rest of you, I, too, became attached to Mei Sheng and was a bit saddened to learn of his departure today. I can only imagine how bitter-sweet it was for his caretakers as they bade him good-bye! Isn’t each animal precious and unique in their own way!
I’m looking forward to watching our lil miss grow up and can’t wait to get down there to see her in person.
Thanks to all of you for your devotion to your charges.
Safe journey, Mei Sheng!
November 5th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Sheng.I wish you many tall trees, leafeater biscuits, and pretty ladies. In whatever order you choose..see you soon sweet boy…
November 5th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Thank you for the update on Mei Sheng. I’m glad I got to see him on the panda cam over the weekend before he left for his travels far and away =( I finally was able to see the fun little silly boy’s video compliation SDZ made about him, how funny he is !! I’m trying not to tear, as I’m at work, I hope his journey goes well, and he adjusts to his new home. =) Lots of luck to the silly boy !! It’s all good, but sad none the less !!!
November 5th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
I can only imagine how hard it was for the staff at the SDZ to let this little guy go. Hopefully, once he is settled in his new home, they will set up a way for us to watch him on webcam like we got to do while he was in San Diego. I really missed seeing his cute little face today.
November 5th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Mei Sheng is special to me. I saw him when I visited and made a nice shadow box of his picture for me and my sister. I also got a statue of him from the gift shop. Good journey and I am sure he will do great things in China.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I barely knew Mei Sheng and yet the tears are sliding down my cheeks as I read these comments. Knowing what it’s like to say goodbye to an animal that’s become so special to you I can only dread the day Tai Shan is sent off to China. I watched him from the very first hours of his life, heard his precious barks and yaps as he grew… I can only imagine it must be the same for all here who’ve watched Mei Sheng grow for four wonderful years. I just regret not getting to know him or his sister. I’m hoping to correct that with the new little one Bai had this year. May your wonderful words and care keep Mei safe…
November 5th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Thank you Angie for letting us know our precious baby boy is on his final journey to his homeland, a journey all have been hoping wouldn’t come.I am so glad he did well and there were no problems. Even though I am sad that he is gone it is a great day that we can send our boy to Wolong after all this is the the whole purpose of the Panda Research station at the zoo. We have learned so much and have come a very long way and the staff at the zoo for the pandas should be very proud of themselves for a job well done. We as members and guests are very lucky to get the opportunity to see these wonderful pandas. I never miss an opportunity to go to the zoo and see our pandas. I think this has been hard on so many people because Mei Sheng has such a sweet personality and entertained us all. I have so many fond memories of him, lots of video that I watch all the time and pictures. I am so glad I have the videos because I feel like he is still here with us. Thanks for the wonderful memories Mei Sheng.
I have talked to many of the staff at the panda exhibit and I wish them well as I know this is very hard on them and now we have to look forward to seeing Su Lin grow and getting to see their baby sister. I have already voted for a name for her and I can’t wait to see her on exhibit- something to look forward to. I know for a few weeks it will be hard to go see the pandas and know that Mei Sheng is not here, but I so look forward to seeing his daddy Gao Gao and soon his mom she is a very special panda and baby sister.
Again I wish the best for Mei Sheng and I know he is going to have the time of his life with all of the lady pandas, he is such a ham and a clown they are going to love him.
Please keep us updated on how he is doing. I know Wolong isn’t much on letting you know how things are going with Hua Mei and now Mei Sheng, but it does help all of us heal when we know they are doing well and they are having fun.
I agree that there are other blogs and interest and I visit them all, I just can’t get enough of the zoo and WAP, I go on the sunrise strolls, lectures and I do things at the WAP too. A whole world of knowledge is out there for all of us to learn about all the animals and it just amazes me how much I learn and can’t seem to get enough. So staff I applaude you all for a job well done.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Carol, #47, you said it all very beautifully.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Well done, all at the Giant Panda Research Station. I’m sure all your hard work and devotion to Mei Sheng will benefit him in his new home. I hope he travels safely and enjoys living in the mountains. I only knew him on the panda cam, but he’s the first giant panda I’ve known in any manner who’s left for China. This will be important to remember in a couple of years when our Tai Shan leaves for his parents’ native land.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Thank you to everyone who took such wonderful care of Mei Sheng in his four years at SDZ. As Shakespeare wrote,”Parting is such sweet sorrow”, but you can be comforted in the knowledge that Sheng is going on to a new adventure in his native land where, hopefully in a few years, he will be the father of lots of panda cubs just as handsome as he is! I’m sure his new friends at Wolong will take excellent care of him and love him just as much as his U.S. family in San Diego. And for your panda team, a new adventure is beginning with your new baby. Think of all the fun you’ll be having in the weeks, months, and years to come!
November 5th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
To Kathy Hawk - thanks for the awesome iZooSafari Chat! Even though I listened to it with tears in my eyes, it still made me feel good to hear how much he will enjoy his new home. Please let us know as soon as he arrives safely at Wolong.
I’m sure there is going to be a HUGE emptiness at the zoo for some time. Thankfully you still have four wonderful pandas to take care of!
November 5th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Dearest Mei Sheng - Aloha and I wish you well! As I write this, you’re probably flying high above the State of Hawaii, and I’ll surely look up towards the blue, blue sky to see you whizzing by overhead. I will never forget you - the one time I saw a cute little baby panda high above the trees when you just learned to climb. The memory will be etched in my mind forever. Aloha to you, sweet thing! You have touched my life in more ways than you can imagine. May you return safely to your ancestral homeland and continue to contribute to the preservation of your species…..
November 5th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
This really made me cry today…I will miss you Mei Sheng and I hope to visit you one day in Wolong for our August birthdays….
November 5th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
I’m going to cry! I know he has to go, but I will miss his sweet face. I have become so attached after 4 years! Safe journey, Mei Sheng. Make many new friends in Wolong.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
I watched Mei Sheng on PandaCam yesterday, thrilled he was still there at SDZ. This morning I was devastated to go on SDZ website to find he was gone, it has been one of the most depressing days I have ever had! I have cried and cried for hours now, this is going to take some getting used to. In my mind I know its his destiny, back to his root and all that good stuff, especially the young ladies at Wolong
patiently awaiting his arrival, and the fun he will have with them, but my heart asks why just the same. Couldn’t we at least get to keep one of the bears, bring him a nice little Panda girl from Wolong and let him breed here at SDZ? Maybe someday the Chinese will let us keep one of the cubs, maybe Su Lin or the new 2007 baby, ah, wishful thinking I am sure……..
My heart goes out to the staff at SDZ, especially the Panda keeper staff, this must be so very hard on you.
I wish Mei Sheng a long, healthy, happy life, he will stay in my heart & on my mind forever.
I will try to see Mei Sheng when I do the National Zoo’s trip to Wolong either 2008 or 2009.
Peace to all the Panda staff, I’m sure you feel worse than I do, and I feel pretty bad!
November 5th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I will miss Mei Sheng. I always enjoyed visiting him at the zoo. I remember taking pictures of him when we was little and I remember the last time I took pictures of him,which was this past September.
November 5th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Angie…. It’s so nice to know that Mei Sheng has handled the beginning of his adventure so well….much better than I have, I might add. This, of course, is due to the preparation and loving care you and Kathy and all the SDZ staff have given him. It must be so gratifying to you all to know that you have shared in preparing this beautiful animal for the next chapter in his life.
I’ve been teary-eyed for days knowing that soon I wouldn’t be able to see him so I can’t imagine how you must be feeling….your goodbyes must have been so difficult. I can’t wait to hear that he arrived safely in China and handled his journey well.
November 5th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Dear Angie,
Thank you for your heart-filled letter about getting Mei Sheng ready to make his flight. Your kindness is beautiful. All of us appreciate the absolute ‘giving’ that the keepers at the SDZ provide the animals. Thanks to you and to all who have replied to the letter. You have all said everything so very well!
Smooth skies, Mei Sheng. Climb a tree when you can and See Your Future. Bless You.
Sincerely,
Bobbie Wood
November 5th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
*tear*
good bye old fellow. It’s been real.
November 5th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
In the panda blogs there were hints Mei Sheng time with the san diego zoo was coming to a close, i guess i was hopin he would stay! Now he gone to start a new chapter in his life. which i call it “a great adventure in china.” i wish him well! he will be missed but not forgotten.
November 5th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Angie & Kathy, my heart goes out to each of you. I realize that each of you has worked and trained for this moment. It’s the culmination of many years of hard work; many joys and disappointments along the way. This is your life’s work; I hope that today and tomorrow and the days ahead when you miss Mei Sheng that you are comforted by knowing that your work is so very meaningful. Your capacity for caring for animals is a gift which is recognized by the animals you treasure and those of us watching from afar. Mei Sheng’s life in San Diego has been wonderful thanks to your devotion; you’ve given him the opportunity to now explore the misty mountain-sides that all pandas should know. You’ve protected one of God’s great creatures and given him the life that was intended for him. I know how extremely difficult it must have been in the early morning darkness to watch his adorable face and know that you might not see him again. But know that the four years you shared with him were precious; your work is extraordinary; and he is the strong, beautiful, magnificent bear he is because of your devotion. Thank you so much. We all share your sadness today but delight in your work!
November 5th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Hi, you all! Got on the website and checked the panda page this morning and read your short note that Mei Sheng is on his way to China! Before I saw that statement, I saw Mei Sheng’s picture with the pics of Hua Mei and Shi Shi, so I kind of figured that Mei Sheng had left SDZ either yesterday or today. Then, I got back on the website tonite and read both the news and blog pages, and I got the full story of how you all got Mei into his crate with his favorite treats and bamboo, drove him down to the airport, and sent him on his way. All of this in the wee morning hours! You didn’t mention the names of the SDZ staff that went with him, so is there any way you can let us know who went with him and how long they’ll be staying at Wolong? I’m thinking that Suzanne went with him since she’s one of the team leaders at the SDZ panda station. I am glad that you all will let us know when Mei will get into China and how he handled this long 20 hour trip. Knowing Mei, he’s so laid back anyway that he’ll just eat and snooze the whole trip! I’m sure that you all at the panda station have had a very sad, long day today, but we still have Bai’s little baby panda girl that’s growing and going right now. Checked the pandacam a little while ago, and this little cub looked like she was trying to have some play time with her mom on her back! Those little legs were trying soooo hard to get a swipe at Bai’s nose, but was missing it! She’s going to have that feisty attitude along with her spunkyness! That’s what we all have to look forward to for the next couple of years, you all! Plus, there’s Su Lin to watch on the pandacam, too! She’s just as fun to watch. I’ve been praying for a safe trip for Mei Sheng and the SDZ staff that’s with him to China, and that they will arrive safe and sound in a few more hours. One of you mentioned Tai Shan at the National Zoo in your statement. The NZ has Tai shan for another 2 years until around 2009 thanks to the Chinese letting them keep him for more reasearch, education, and letting people come and see him for a while longer. The info that the NZ panda staff will be gathering will be very important and valuable in the long run while they have Tai Shan. Hopefully, the SDZ will be able to have Su Lin stay for another couple of years as well.
/ Bai and baby girl,
Well, gonna go back to pandacam and see what Bai and baby girl are up to! Let us know about Mei Sheng when you get the info, ok? Thanks, you all!
Oh yeah, hope to see Mei Sheng on youtube sometime soon!!
Luv to Mei Sheng
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: Looks like you all got thru this past weekend without any new fire flareups! Thank goodness for that! I read on one of the San Diego news channel websites that the Santa Ana winds that were supposed to kick up didn’t get up to speed this time around. That’s great news for the firefighters that are working very hard to get the remaining fires out for good. We’ve been in the red flag warning in our area (Florida) for a few hours both yesterday and today due to a cold front bringing in cool, dry air with the humidity down in the 20-30% range. So, we’re going thru the same thing that you all are except that we haven’t had any fires yet around here since this past spring. Hopefully, we won’t see any fires here, and you all won’t see the type of fires like you had in October. SDZ, WAP, and all the animals need all the good breaks that you can get right now! Keep up the great work, you all!! CM
November 5th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Bye bye sweet Mei Sheng…I can’t believe I won’t see him on Panda Cam anymore. :’( Thank you so much for your update…though I know he will be happy back in Wolong, I miss my first baby bear and can only imagine how difficult it was for you to part with him. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of him these past 4 years…Mei Sheng loves you and will surely want you guys to be happy, just like he is…always a happy soul.
November 5th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Thank you for letting us know that Mei Sheng is on his way. You have all raised a stellar young panda, and I hope he will make you proud! I’m so glad I made it to the zoo last week to say goodbye to him…he was sleeping, with his back to me, but that’s ok
I know I don’t have the same right to miss him as much as you all do, but it sort of feels like when my youngest went off to college a few months ago-I guess I’m weird..ha ha! Oh well, I guess if we didn’t care so much, we wouldn’t feel this way, right? Congratulations to all of you on the zoo staff for bringing Mei Sheng to this day!
November 5th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Be sure to listen to the latest Izoofari chat as one of Mei’s keepers, Kathy talks about her experinces with Mei -
Even though we all knew this day was coming, I have to admit I shed a few tears as I read the blog about Mei’s departure for his homeland. As sad as it must have been for the keepers, they can take great pride in knowing they raised a healthy, wonderful, funny cub who entertaned so many for 4 years. Now he’s about to make some new friends, find trees to climb, spaces to roam & eventually find “a bride”. I also wonder how Wolong will be able to identify him - but guess each panda had it’s own markings.
As far as his plane trip. after watching the video of Mei Xiang & Tian Tian’s trip from China to DC, they flew in a specially equipped Fex Ex plane “carrying precious cargo” - his keepers traveling with him are there every minute to make sure he’s comfortable & not stressed. They may stop to refuel once - but now some planes are able to fly non-stop to China
So dear Mei Sheng have a wonderful life in Wolong - you were the perfect panda ambassador between China & the US.
We’ll be waiting to see the news of your arrival on the national news sometime tomorrow & hope for more updates from the SDZ staff that traveled with you.
Now I have a comment about the naming of our latest cub -we should be grateful that we are able to vote for our favorite name - many were unhappy that their names were not included on the list & have made some ugly statements. While I voted for Tai Shan (whose name was chosen), the other cubs were named something other than my vote but somehow the cubs grew into their names. I, for one am grateful that we have another healthy cub to watch & love for 4 years - whatever her name is.
November 5th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
#42 Susan, don’t feel too sad! Your friend, just like Mei Sheng, is going to another beautiful place, having new adventure. Your friend is not gone as she will always be in your heart. I’m sure she will treasure the memories when you two visited Mei Sheng and will look after you and all the pandas while she is in Heaven.
November 5th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Since early this morning I started thinking about Mei Sheng. I started to reminiscence about the day he was born and the first time I saw him up close. I began looking at all the photos we have of Mei Sheng.
On Dec. 12, 2003, a panda keeper placed four month old Mei Sheng on exhibit. The photos of this adorable little “fuzz ball” placed in a lair - less than 12-feet away from where we were standing, melted my heart.
Now, our beautiful Mei Sheng is on his way to Wolong. I know he will be fine, but I still feel a pang in my heart every time of think about the arduous trip to this far away land.
God Bless you Mei Sheng. We will all miss your funny and playful personality.
Rose, Sarah & Olivia
November 5th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Please, please keep us up with Mei Sheng and let us know that he’s safely in China. I was almost hoping there would be an 11th hour decision to keep him at the SDZ..
I knew in my heart that wasn’t going to happen, but one could still dream. He’ll always be so close to my heart, I know I’ve got Su Lin, Bai Yun and the cub to look forward to and I love all of them, but there will be a small sadness next time I visit the zoo and find that he really isn’t there.
I know how hard this must be for the keepers, curators and his regular visitors. You all have been such a special part of this boy’s life..Thank you for loving him and taking such good care of him. I’ll be so relieved to know he’s on the ground and happy at Wolong. Love to Mei Sheng…
November 5th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
#19 Margaret - I agree with you completely about global warming & whether you agree with it or not - something dire is happening to our planet. CNN had a great special “Planet in Peril” last week. For every species lost hundreds more are affected. Just look at mankind had done to the giant pandas & they are just one of many species that may become extinct. From what I read the Polar Bears now are in trouble - it’s our planet - let’s take care of it.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
If you go to the National Geographic website and enter “Air Panda” in the search bar, there’s a wonderful account of Ya Ya & Le Le’s journey from China to Memphis via the FedEx Panda Express. I am sure Mei Sheng is enjoying the same first-class treatment on his trip today!
November 6th, 2007 at 12:55 am
I feel sad Mei Sheng has left SDZ. I hope he has a happy life.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:55 am
Farewell, Mei Sheng.
Enjoy your life’s journey.
We are proud of you!
God be with you till we meet again.
Love, Joy
November 6th, 2007 at 5:01 am
Oh boy, so the dreaded day has finally happened. I thought it would when Mei Sheng was on webcam most of the day on sunday - well here in the UK with the time difference everytime i looked at the webcam he was there. I then spent all day watching him and savouring every last second of him. Thankfully i used the send a postcard from the webcam and got a lovely photo of the amazing boy and sent it to myself and my daughter then loaded it on to the screen as my wallpaper so everytime i switch on Mei Sheng is there for me to appreciate and love and i don’t mind admitting i stroke him.
I was so upset when i looked on the site to see he had gone. How i envy all of you lucky people who have been and seen him in person and got photos of him but at least i have seen him on the webcam so better to see him on webcam than to have missed out on ever seeing the handsome prince he is.
Please let us know he arrives safely and how he progresses.
#42 Susan i feel so deeply sorry for you to lose your friend was bad enough but for Mei Sheng to then go your last link with your friend is deeply upsetting. In time when the pain eases you will be able to treasure the times you spent together with Mei Sheng and look back and smile. Your friend will watch over you and Mei Sheng please take comfort from that.
To all the keepers who have looked after Mei Sheng you must be very upset at his leaving, but you played a very big part in his time with you. You have looked after him so well he couldn’t have been looked after better so feel very proud and priveledged to have been a part of his start in life. It’s just a shame as somebody else has said that he couldn’t stay with you and China sent a female for him. How wonderful that would have been for all of you and us.
Mei Sheng you will be missed so very much. You have touched a lot of hearts mine included. Never change from the amazing gentle boy that you are. Be happy and go on to produce beautiful baby cubs that will have your beautiful gentle funny ways. I will always have a special place in my heart for you and i will never forget you and i thank you for letting me see why people adore pandas so much as i’m now a panda lover and proud to say so. I pray that Wolong will see what we have all fallen in love with and will feel the same as we do, Knowing your gentle tender and funny ways it wont be long until they do. They are so lucky to have you join them.
Safe journey precious treasure.
Always in my heart with love
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November 6th, 2007 at 5:14 am
It is likely that Mei Sheng is still in transit - as always all his human panda friends are thinking of him and hope that he has an uneventful journey.
Thank you to all the Staff involved in Sheng’s welfare prior to and during his journey - without your guidance and planning for his long journey it would have been much more traumatic for him.
I trust that ‘happy days’ are ahead for him and his keepers when they finally reach Wolong.
Little Miss Fluffy Butt has been on the move again, yesterday I saw her curled up sleeping in Bai’s bedroom - those legs are made for walking and that is what she will do…Bai, shortly those little legs will walk all over you!
I appreciate that everyone concerned has had a hectic and traumatic time with the terrible fires, and the safety for the animals and humans.
When things finally abate, please can you update the pic of Miss Fluffy Butt (’no name’) - she is so pretty, there must be more enhancing pics available before she gets her ‘official name’….
November 6th, 2007 at 5:37 am
darn…
it wasn’t a dream. he’s still gone.
November 6th, 2007 at 5:51 am
I’ve just saw the picture Mei Sheng’s crate was carrying by Angie and Kathy onto a forklift.
Thank you keepers for trainning Mei Sheng goes through with confidence.
I can imagine how hard was to all of you keepers, seeing him leaving.
Last night, I missed him and I read a lot od old articles about him since his birth until now.
If Mei Sheng’s airplane depaterd LAX at 12:30 AM yesterday, it arrived at Shanghai airport one hour ago.
November 6th, 2007 at 6:26 am
Susan #42, may your sadness be comforted, and I honestly believe your friend will see her beloved Mei Sheng in his happy home in China. Healing thoughts to you, dear lady.
I shall miss Mei Sheng, and I thank all of you at SDZ for your wonderful, loving care of him. Godspeed, Mei Sheng, and be happy in your homeland fulfilling your destiny. Just know how much love follows you there. You are, indeed, a Panda Prince.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:06 am
Here!Here! #70 Debora!! Well said. Thank you, SDZ staff for caring for such wonderful animals. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:15 am
thank you for that update about mei, and my heart goes out to all who cared for him it had to be hard to say goodbye, i know you are all scientist but you cant help but get attatched to one so funny and loving. please keep us informed as to when mei arrives in china and at wolong. did one of his keepers go with him to make the transion easier for him???? i know he will be fine there but i was just wondering?? i know even when you change any animals natural habitat they get a little leary. i know you have been preparing him gently but it is still a change one that i know he will love he will have i am sure alot more room to roam.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:33 am
He surely will be missed by all of us in Dallas as well. I know it is for the good of the species but its hard to see one raised here then shipped off. Are we, as a nation, ever going to get to keep a Giant Panda here? Why are they always sent back to China? At any rate, all of you at the SDZ do a marvelous job and I enjoy watching the panda cam immensely.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:40 am
I’m in tears as I write this. I’m missing Mei Sheng so much! He was the first panda baby I watched grow up on a webcam. I’m praying his trip is going smoothly and his keepers got to go with him on this important trip. He will need some familiar faces/voices on voyage and in the days ahead as he gets acclimated to Wolong.
I hope he will get one of the largest enclosures they have a Wolong. I would send a substantial donation to them if they would just put a webcam in it.
I really didn’t think I’d take this so hard. I was hoping he would be able to go to a zoo here in the US. I’m glad I made the trip to SDZ on October 6-7th to say my goodbyes. I have some wonderful pictures of him (and “Sweet Su” too) that I cherish forever.
Suzanne, I hope you were able to accompany him to Wolong. Please have the keepers write a blog on how he’s adjusting. All us panda fans would love to know how he’s doing. Can you take some pictures/video of his new home for us? They should give him the “castle” enclosure that I watch every night on the Wolong cam.
Mei Sheng, dear panda, I love you so much and will miss you everyday! You have a world of human kind that love you very much and want the very best for you always…take care Mei Sheng, we love you!
November 6th, 2007 at 7:42 am
Hi, I am wondering, is there a way to have any kind of agreement with China to keep at least one of our babies?
November 6th, 2007 at 9:43 am
My heart is sad! But what a wonderful job you all have done. You must be very proud. Mei Sheng is a success story with a little sadness in the middle. I’m sure he’ll love his new home, and endear himself to all there. I look forward to the next update. God speed, Sweet Baby, you will be missed.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Could not help but cry as I read of the way in which the keepers prepared him for his trip. He has been so loved by SDZ staff and I hope he will receive the same special treatment in Woolong…he certainly deserves it. Hoped to see something on the evening news but so far nothing. Good luck to you Mei Sheng! We will all miss you.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:14 am
Thankyou so much for the update on our young man! I’m sure he has arrived in China by now and I hope he is resting after his long flight. Getting waited on hand and foot, just as he should be. Will look forward to the posts of how he is doing and adjusting. I keep checking the news sites to see if his departure will make the news. I’m my opinion it should be “headline” news. What an accomplishment for the SDZ to have raised this beautiful bear. Take a bow, you all deserve it!!!!!
I agree with Christi Post #90, wouldn’t it be awesome if we could have set up our own private webcam of Mei??? Hmm, kinda doubt they’d let that happen, but it’s a sweet thought. I do wonder if we will see him, or hear of him on the Wolong web site, I sure do hope so. My fingers and toes are crossed…..
November 6th, 2007 at 10:22 am
On a happier note. . . I’m just checking in from work here and what do I see? Is that our beautiful studmuffin Gao Gao fast asleep in a pile of ’snow’?? ROFL!! What have I missed?
November 6th, 2007 at 10:22 am
The panda keepers did a wonderful job preparing Mei Sheng for his trip to China. You can feel the love they had for this darling boy. They gave him all his favorite treats as a sign of love. I only hope he receives the superb care, attention and affection that he had at the San Diego Zoo.
I feel that if a panda is born in the United States, it should remain here. I realize there is a monetary agreement, but it is time to examine this policy.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Not to change the subject, but I’m looking at the Panda Cam here at about 12:18 Michigan time while I’m eating my lunch and it looks as if Gao Gao is laying in a pile of snow. Did SDZ staff make it snow for him today? He certainly looks happy.
Moderator’s note: Looks like wood shavings cushioning a very content panda!
November 6th, 2007 at 10:23 am
I am missing the young Panda Prince, but was fortunate to capture a couple of great webcam shots on 11/4.
I loved the video compilation and Kathy Hawk’s memories- it must have been a bit of a challenge for her to talk about it that very day. Today I see Daddy Gao rolling in what appears to be sawdust or something similar? What a goofball.. good for him- I missed seeing him via webcam, but he deserved a break from his adoring public. I wonder what these Pandas would say if they could verbally communicate? They’d probably say half of us are barking mad and should be committed to a facility run by Pandas! These blogs are so great and so much work goes into them, I really do enjoy the Panda experience from 2000 miles away and appreciate that it’s available.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:27 am
CNN has a article about Mei Sheng leaving and it also had 2pictures, He is shown on his 2nd birthday and in his travel crate getting ready to be put on the truck, Susan #42 my sympathy for your loss, but i am glad you and your friend got to see Mei Sheng together, that is a lasting memory of good times together. Your pain will ease and you will be able to smile and remember your friend and Mei at the same time.
Angie and Kathy, you have given the world a most precious gift, a chance to help save and protect our beloved pandas. I know that he will make you proud.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:29 am
What is the white stuff that Gao Gao is lying in this morning?
This may be off topic, but is the Zoo considering organizing any trips to China, including Wolong, in the near future? Maybe with the Olympics coming up that isn’t possible.
Moderator’s note: The Zoo’s WorldWild Tours division is offering a trip to China that includes a visit to the Wolong Panda Preserve and its Breeding Center in April. For more information: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/worldwild_tours.html
November 6th, 2007 at 10:31 am
I am still crying over Mei Sheng leaving us. Didn’t think that this would overcome me this much. I can’t even imagine what the keepers are going through. I will be able to rest once he is off the plane and on the ground. I would hope that his arrival would be on the national news, so that all of us panda lovers can be at ease. Such a long flight for anyone, especially a big cute cuddly bear. I too am wondering as many of us are, on how will he be knowen amongst all the other pandas. Also he is used to hearing english. Now he has to learn a new language Chinese. I have been going to Wolong Panda Cam, but the picture just stays there, and moves a tiny bit. I was hoping for a better cam like what the SDZ has. Mei Sheng I hope you have a wonderful life. You can tell Hua Mei about how your mom, Su Lin and baby fluff are doing. Wolong looks absolutly gorgeous with the tall trees, misty breezes, lots and lots of space to play in and new panda friends to meet. I will be looking for you on the news or the panda cams. Take care, great friend.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:50 am
I have been watching the Panda Cam since the beginning and really had a difficult time letting go of Shi Shi and Hua Mei when each left for China. It is just as difficult this time around. I hope we get more updates and pictures of Mei Sheng than we did of them. I’m not sure the Chinese realize what a great loss it is to us to lose these members of our family.
One thing I would like to say is that reading all the blogs from my fellow pandaholics gives me a glimmer of hope for the future of ALL endangered animals. Knowing that many others are feeling such a deep sense of loss can only mean that we all are doing everything we can to support our wildlife charities and strongly urging our legislators and world leaders to: protect dwindling habitat, punish poachers and traders in wild animals and animal parts, get serious about global warming, stop pollution of our rivers and oceans, stop overfishing, etc.
The most important thing to remember is TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL.
All my love goes with you beautiful Mei Sheng.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:55 am
I just checked the pandacam and it looks like they’ve put some snow in Gao Gao’s yard; he’s sleeping right in the middle of it! As we think of our beloved Mei Sheng and miss him, just remember, now he’ll have lots of snow to play in, We know how pandas love snow!
November 6th, 2007 at 11:20 am
There are tears in my eyes as I write this. Tears of sadness, because despite not having the opportunity to see him in person, watching him on the webcam has brought great pleasure to me, and to realize those days are over is bittersweet. But, more than that, there are tears of joy, because Mei Sheng has moved on, and through him, his entire species has another chance, another hope for survival. He will certainly be missed, but the important thing to remember, at least for me, is that he has gone to fulfill a destiny, and for that, more than anything else, he will be remembered by many. Mei Sheng has become our next great hope for the future of Pandas. He will not let us, or his fellow “catbears” down.
Good Luck, Mei Sheng…godspeed, and Blessed Be.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Congratulations to you all on your bittersweet success. We are so fortunate to have such as you so dedicated and loving in your care and devotion to our precious pandas. I can’t imagine how the emptiness in your hearts must feel right now and hope that the wishes and prayers sent your way from around the world will help fill that space with only sweet memories that bring smiles instead of tears. Mei Sheng has been blessed to have you love and care for him from the day he was born. And that sound beginning of his life’s journey is the reason he is so wonderfully healthy and sweet and will be adored by all who meet him in his new adventure and destiny. We are so proud of you and our Sweet Precious Prince. Live long and prosper Dear Mei Sheng. Blessed Be with Love, Judy J
November 6th, 2007 at 11:23 am
According to Shanghai News (11/07/07):
“Panda Lands in Shanghai”
The american-born Mei Sheng safely arrived in the city from de United States at 6:15pm yesterday and is expected to leave for the Wolong Panda research center in Sichuan province at noon today.
After 20 hour journey from Los angeles the panda is in good condition. This is the first time he has flown, and the SDZoo where the panda was born spent some time preparing for journey.”
It’s great to know that our Baby Boy arrived safe in the worst part of his journey!
November 6th, 2007 at 11:42 am
I know that there is will be teary eyes for all of us Mei Sheng lovers for a while!
. Glad that the toughest part of his journey is over.
My kudos to all the panda keepers and staff who took well care of him, and to Kathy and Angie who, probably shed a few tears themselves as they said final good byes to Mei Sheng.
He is such a special boy that it’s so hard to let him go! God bless you always, Mei Sheng!
November 6th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Thanks for the update that Mei Sheng arrived safely in China. It is a huge relief to know that the longest and hardest part of his journey is over. Now comes the shorter flight and the long truck ride up in the mountains to Wolong.
It is also great news to know that he did well enough to be able to continue on right away. I am sure that all animal personnel involved want to get him to his final destination as quickly as possible so he can rest and recuperate and begin the acclimation process. Does the higher altitude affect pandas coming from closer to sea level when they first arrive, as it does with humans? I imagine that the SDZ people accompanying him will have more challenges with the time differences, diet, altitude, etc. He brought his food with him to help in the transition and he sleeps when he wants, so he can adapt more quickly.
Thanks for the great shots of Gao Gao in the “snow” today. It looked like he was enjoying himself immensely.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
P.S. Thanks for adding the parting photo of Mei Sheng with Kathy and Angie! It helps to see how he was transported. Looks like he had a luxury “suite” for his journey. No wonder he did so well, with these two wonderful ladies preparing him so well before he left.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Sing this to the tune of “Christmas is Coming”
Christmas is comin’
See Gao Gao draped in Snow.
I wonder if he knows where
His son is going to go?
He’s dreaming of the treetops
His son will soon play in,
Away in far off China
Where Gao Gao’s life began.
We all will sorely miss him
But dad knows what’s in store.
A lifetime full of happiness
Where Mei Sheng’s going for sure.
Today in Panda Station
There’s mischief here we see.
Tho it’s warm in San Diego
The mood is Northerly.
Thanks to all the Zoofolk
For treats for bears and all.
As much as they love snow time
We love them one and all.
11/06/07; M4 C3 ~ 10AM PST
November 6th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Candy #102 I do hope that people take heed in your words. We are so close to losing so many of our worlds most endangered species. The gorillas are being slaughtered at an alarming rate, Tigers that we will never see again and polar bears. I can not imagine a world without pandas. I’ve been to a place called TIGERS and when you hear that one species has only 35 left in the world thats enough to make me die alittle inside. I am thankful for being allowed to watch these amazing creatures on the cams and knowing that there is so many caring people like me. gotta go watch the family. that baby makes me crazy
November 6th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Mei Sheng’s arrival in Shanghai was on chinese CCTV news, watch the clip by googling ‘Mei Sheng CCTV’.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Kathy mentioned in the chat that pandas Mei Sheng’s age have access through the wire mesh between yards to see each other and socialize, similar to what he and Su Lin did at the Howdy Gate. I wonder if he will think about her when he sees another panda? Since he has a great sense of smell, and hearing, and other pandas will not smell, look, or sound like Su Lin, I wonder what his initial reaction will be. Since he has not previously had any type of contact with another panda, except Su Lin, since he was weaned over 2 years ago, and he has previously been cautious in new situations, I wonder how he will accept this new circumstance. He obviously warmed up to his sister and did all kinds of tricks to attract her attention. So, once he is comfortable in his new surroundings, it is logical to think that he will thrive on these new encounters with new “friends.” They are used to having other pandas around, so it will be interesting to see how they react and accept him. I don’t recall reading anything about Hua Mei being exposed to other pandas, except for breeding. Since she was already 5.5 years old when she arrived in Wolong, and was introduced to males for breeding in the estrus cycle that year, she may not have had a chance to “play” like Mei hopefully will have.
Is the howdy gate closed off now, or is it still open for potential visual encounters of Su Lin and Gao Gao? Since he is an adult male, it is probably less likely that she would encounter him in the wild. If she has seen him, what is his reaction? When Tai Shan has seen Tian Tian, he softly bleats to him, and Tian reciprocates. Whereas Mei Xiang moans. You said when Su Lin was first weaned that you waited a couple of days to put her in the exhibit space Gao had been in to allow his scent to dissipate so it would not frighten her. Would that still be the case since she has been on her own for months and was not “afraid” of her brother?
Has Su Lin gone to the Howdy Gate looking for Mei Sheng? If so, what is her reaction when she sees and hears that he is no longer there. It must be a somewhat sad occasion for you if/when that happens. But life moves on, and so will she as she would in the wild.
November 6th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
YAY! I am so glad our boy arrived safely!
You know what I have been thinking lately? I have been thinking that with how hard it has been to say good-bye to Mei Sheng, at least there is HUGE comfort in knowing that there are still two panda babies at the San Diego Zoo. Then I think about how sad it will be when Tai Shan leaves us - especially if there is no panda baby at the NZ when he goes, and the same eventually with Mei Lan in Atlanta. I am going to be praying especially hard that next spring brings us new panda pregnancies in both of those zoos….and also one in Memphis, too!
November 6th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Thank you #112 Ling! It is great to be able to read and hear about Mei so far away.
November 6th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Thanks Ling #112 for that tip, looks to me like he is getting a warm welcome. But then we should expect nothing less for our Super Star!!!
November 6th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Cathy, #110, thanks for a wonderful poem/song which helps put a smile on my face.
You are right, Gao Gao seemed to be in a very playful mood this morning. I am sure his antics helped heal the sadness of the Panda Research Station staff. Planning the enrichment for him and watching his reaction would have such a tremendous affect, and it would make everyone watching laugh with joy.
November 6th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
What a great photo shot of Su Lin high up in her favorite tree. She fills up more of the branch now than she did a year ago when we rarely saw her on the ground. As I look at the misty effect in the background, I wonder if she is dreaming of where her brother will be climbing high in the trees in the misty mountains in a few weeks.
November 6th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Thanks for letting us know that Mei Sheng arrived safely, and also thanks to the bloggers who let us in on all the news sources! We are getting a global education! I have been thinking about Panda enrichment…I do believe that the Pandas are enrichment for us, they have made our lives so much fuller to the extent that we are all better for it. Those of us who care about the planet and its inhabitants are drawn together on this website—what a joy! Geez, if this is a psychiatric condition I hope we can figure out how to make it infectious!
November 6th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Wow - what a great way to help shake off the “Mei Sheng Blues” by showing Gao Gao rolling and having a great time in the snow. It wasn’t alot of snow - but certainly enough for him to roll around in and act goofy. Way to go daddy-o! With the holidays fast approaching - here’s hoping there are lots more “snow days” ahead!
November 6th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
My heart is aching, and there are tears in my eyes as I write this, but I’m very happy to know that the little bear I checked on every day has arrived safely. Hope his days are filled with nothing but happiness and adventures in his new home. Hope at some time in the near future we get to see pictures of him in his new abode. Love to you all for the last 4 years.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
I get teary-eyed every time I get on this blog lately..I can’t believe how hard it’s been to let go of our sweet boy. Thank you so much for the link to the Chinese TV station (Ling #112)–it was good to hear he’s making his mark over there already! I hope the Chinese realize how lucky they are to have Mei Sheng, what a special guy..
I think Kristi (#90) had a great idea–obviously so many people have been touched by Mei Sheng’s departure, would it be possible to create a donation to Wolong in order to have a webcam on him for awhile? I’d love to be able to see him again…
When I walked away from him at the zoo a month ago, he was up in his tree eating..The last time I saw him on the panda cam Sunday, he was in the same spot, eating his leaves in the tree..Seems rather fitting..
I miss him, our sweet big boy…Please keep us posted on how he’s getting along!
November 6th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I am sad and concerned. I wish you a good life in China, and will miss your antics here. God speed.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Candy #102 — I agree that we should TEACH OUR CHILDREN WELL. Everything begins at home. I have certainly tried to do just that, and think my children, now grown, have a definite love for all animals and the environment. I have a poem I stumbled across years ago that I want to share:
Oh, shame on the mothers of mortals,
Who did not stop to teach
The sorrow that lies in dear, dumb eyes,
The sorrow that has no speech;
For the same force formed the camel
That fashioned man and king,
And the God of the whole
Gave a spark of soul
To each furred and feathered thing.
— unknown
November 6th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
When I look at Su Lin sitting and eating where her brother was just two days ago, it is hard to believe that he is already in China. When she eats, she looks so much like Gao Gao. I thought Mei Sheng looked like Gao, but now I think Su Lin does more so. I love Mei’s ears, to me they stick up like Mickey Mouse ears. That is what I usually found helped me distinquish him from his sister. I think his ears are more like Bai’s.
Su Lin sure looks like a Princess, and Bai Yun as seen from the camera looking down into the classroom space looks like a Queen sitting on her throne eating to her heart’s content. I guess when I thought it was Gao yesterday, it was really Bai Yun.
They are all handsome bears, but Mei Sheng’s smiling face and cute ears make him unique. For those who were wondering how the bears are distinquished at Wolong, it is my understanding that bears, at least at NZP, have microchips between their shoulder blades that allow them to be easily identified. There is an interactive example at the Panda exhibit at NZP where you can test for yourself and see which “animal” is which.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Cathy, #110, thank you for your beautiful poem/song!
Ling, #112, thank you for turning us to CCTV. I enjoyed reading about Mei Sheng’s arrival and what will happen in his first month at Wolong. We need to make some updates to our computer, so have been unable to view the video of his arrival. Have also not seen the compilation of Mei Sheng’s time at SDZ for the same reason. Can hardly wait to see them.
Listened to the chat with Kathy and it warmed my heart to hear her stories about “Little Pooper!” How funny! Must confess I’m envious of all you who care for these magnificent animals. What a wonderful job you do!
November 6th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
I am so sad. I know I’ll feel better soon, but for now I’m missing our sweet boy.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Although I knew it was coming, it’s still so sad to learn that Mei Sheng has really gone. He’s been a part of my daily life since he was born, even if just to pop in for a moment and peek at him on the PandaCam. (How I wish they had a PandaCan keeping an eye on him in China!) This is the hard part of having the privilege of having these special visitors from China. Please keep us posted on how he’s doing and what is in store for our sweet silly bear.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
From the Shanghai Daily News
Panda returns to his roots in China
By Lu Feiran 2007-11-5
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SHANGHAI Wildlife Park is preparing to welcome a special visitor tomorrow night - American-born panda Mei Sheng, who is returning to the motherland to find a bride.
The four-year-old panda will stay in the city for one night on his way to Wolong in Sichuan Province, where his mother and father were born.
He is the first panda born by natural mating outside China, and will be escorted by experts from San Diego Zoo, where he has spent all his life, and from Wolong Panda Research Center.
The 20-hour flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai is Mei Sheng’s first, according to Sinotrans Air Transportation Development Co Ltd, which is transporting the panda.
Mei Sheng is being flown in a large iron cage stocked with his favorite apple and water, and is due to land at Pudong International Airport about 7pm tomorrow.
Shanghai Customs officials will escort him to Shanghai Wildlife Park, where he will have a single room and his favorite food. There he will be able to recover from the flight before his next trip to Wolong on Wednesday.
“If Mei Sheng is in good mood after landing, we’ll send him to Wolong on Wednesday as scheduled. But if he’s upset by the long travel, or shows signs of bad temper or poor appetite, he’ll stay in the park for a longer period for a break,” said Zhang Yuan, general manager of Sinotrans’ East China branch.
Once he reaches Wolong, Mei Sheng will be in quarantine for a month to monitor any signs of infectious diseases and keep an eye on his mental state, according to Wolong Panda Research Center.
The center said it will introduce Mei Sheng to a mate who isn’t related to him, and the ideal “wedding date” may fall between about March and May next year.
Born at San Diego Zoo on August 19, 2003, Mei Sheng’s name means “born in America” or “a beautiful life” in Chinese.
He’s been very popular among zoo visitors since he made his public debut when he was six months old.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Barbara #124 how beautiful and fitting and how true.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
One of the greatest “gifts” and “privileges” that SDZ provides to all virtual visitors is the ability to “peek” in on our favorite SDZ pandas at all hours, no matter where one lives in the world. And, in addition to that, they tape it so you can go and see it again for 10 DAYS! That is an incredible thing to provide for FREE.
I can’t believe how acrobatic pandas are. I remember watching Basi when she was at the SDZ in 1987. She was very willingly entertaining. I just watched Mei Lan hanging upside down on her climbing structure to reach the hammock. Once she got in it, and seated comfortably, Lun Lun decided that Mei Lan should not be in the hammock. It was then a game of get out - keep out. Every time Mei Lan tried to get back in, Lun Lun pushed her off again. They did it over and over.
Which brings me to why I am thankful that we are not limited in time to watch SDZ pandas. It seems that Lun and Mei get their most active at 4:45-5:00 PM, just before the camera is shut off for the night. It is very frustrating because they are often in intense play, and “whack” the camera is shut off. I asked if they could extend the viewing hours so people could see them longer and was told they don’t have the funding for longer hours. So, be very thankful that we have time-lapse videos of Mei Sheng and Su Lin interacting that we can go back and view and which can be screen printed and saved forever. Bloggers have complained that there is no sound, but NZP has sound, but you can’t do screen print or go back and watch time-lapse there either.
So, one more reason to say, THANK YOU SDZ, for all you do for the pandas, and for those of us who love to watch them. You are AWESOME!!!!!
November 6th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Barbara, #124, what a beautiful poem, and so true. Thanks for sharing.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Until late in 2006, I didn’t even KNOW there was such a thing as a “PandaCam.” I saw an article on CNN’s website about Mei Lan’s birth in Atlanta, and have been Hooked on Pandas ever since!
I’m in San Antonio, and will likely never see a Panda up close and personal, but having the cams available is so wonderful for those, like me, who may never get to “meet” the Pandas!
Thank you SDZ and all zoos, research and breeding facilities in the US, China, and elsewhere, for helping to repopulate this endangered species.
As I read of Mei Sheng’s departure, and since I didn’t “know” him as he grew, I searched youtube and found a wonderful video entitled “Farewell Panda Mei Sheng” — I think you Mei Sheng fans will enjoy it. I DID manage to catch a bit of Sheng’s last few days at the zoo on the PandaCam, and fell in love with the boy in a matter of moments. He’s one smiling Panda. Hope you have great digs in your new home, Mei Sheng!
–KK–
November 6th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
I agree with Margaret #131, that we are indeed lucky for the access that we have to the pandas at SDZ. It has been so great to be able to log on at all hours of the day and see what the little munchkins are up to. Thank you for allowing us to peek into their lives.
I am so glad to hear that Mei made it safely to China. I miss seeing his happy face on the cam.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I logged in today — after a few days of absence — to find Mei Sheng’s picture in