Through the Eyes of a Child
Posted at 8:55 am July 19, 2006 by Suzanne HallOne of the benefits of working closely with animals like the pandas is the opportunity to witness how people are really touched by these creatures. My office at the San Diego Zoo overlooks the panda queue, where visitors line up daily to see the bears. I often catch a glimpse of a look of wonderment on a child's face, or a broad smile as someone takes in the sight of these bears close up. But our pandas touch lives far from San Diego, too.
We get letters from people all over the globe who are moved by the pandas. They write to tell us about how lovely they think the bears are, or how lucky they feel to be able to observe them online via the Panda Cam. The most touching of these letters come from children, who write of how the pandas inspire them to consider the plight of this endangered species. I am particularly pleased when I see that our panda ambassadors have moved children to action, developing into the next generation of conservation activists!
We recently received a portfolio of letters from Mrs. Wood's 5th grade class at R.F. Kennedy Elementary School in Compton, California. Apparently, the class has enjoyed watching the bears on Panda Cam for some time. Their interest in the panda led them to study the animals and learn about conservation issues faced by the species. One student, Brenda, stated, " We love animals and we would really like to help the panda bears." Says Isabel, " I really care about the pandas because"¦it is not fair that there are people taking their places." The students are worried about the possibility of the day when " their (sic) will be no more places for panda bears to live," writes Jonathan.
What did these children opt to do as a result? " We are doing everything we could do to help the panda bears, for example we recycle bottles, donating (the) money," says another student, Samantha. The class collected recyclables and raised funds for panda conservation. They sent us a check for $200! " We support you," notes Raul.
Additionally, Mrs. Wood's class decided to educate other students at their school. " We made 2 big posters and we are going to put at (sic) around the school. And we also made flyers"¦" says Patricia. This pleases me on two levels. Not only are these students introducing other young minds about the need for conservation efforts, but they are also showing them that even the littlest ones among them can take action. What a fabulous lesson to learn!
To all of the children out there who spend time watching the Zoo web cameras: enjoy! Learn all you can about the world we live in and the animals that inhabit it. Pick your favorite one or two species and take action to promote conservation efforts for them. Pandas, orangutans, birds, whales, frogs"¦ so many creatures will benefit from your concern. I know that conservation researchers all over the world are counting on you!
Suzanne Hall is the senior research laboratory technician for the Office of Giant Panda Conservation/CRES.
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July 19th, 2006 at 10:44 am
Thanks, Suzanne, for sharing this special story with us.
And congratulations to all the students in Mrs. Wood's class - you all should be very proud of yourselves. Thank heaven for the internet and these fantastic cams. Without the cams, we would be so UNINFORMED. Keep up the great work, kids.
July 19th, 2006 at 12:53 pm
DO YOU HAVE BIRTHDAY PLANS FOR SU LIN?
July 19th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
It's panda baby time! Tai just celebrated his 1st birthday this month and I noticed that all of the San Diego cubs -Hua Mei, Mei Sheng and Su Lin - were born in August. I read on the Atlanta Zoo website that Lun Lun may be having a baby in mid to late August. Also I read a story that Wolong has 15 pandas that they were hoping would have babies. If anyone has any more updates about the panda babies being born around the world, please let us know. There never can be enough panda bear cubs in the world!
July 19th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Conservation is progressing……I was pleased to read that the 30th session of the World Heritage Committee agreed, on July 12, 2006, to put China's great panda habitat on the World Heritage List.
July 19th, 2006 at 2:57 pm
Suzanne, what a wonderful narration! Yes indeed, the children of this world need to be active in conservation! God bless the children and the adults who teach them how to be good world citizen. Thank you and your staff for all you do, too, to teach visitors to your zoo about the needs of our beloved Pandas. Keep up the good work!
July 19th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
I've spent countless hours in the exhibit watching our bears. Sometimes it's all I can do to not correct parents who give their children misinformation about pandas, or to explain all the reasons to those who question it, why you really should take the time to stand in line to see these remarkable animals. I think it's wonderful that the kids are getting the opportunity to learn all of these things in the classroom, and even more so that they can pass it on to their peers. We can never have too many people interested in conservation!
July 19th, 2006 at 6:00 pm
Suzanne….I always enjoy the Panda updates and viewing the Panda cam. There doesn't seem to be much
news about Mei Sheng. Will he be back on exhibit by his birthday? We share the same birthday and I was
hoping to see him again this year. Thank you for all you and your associates do for this wonderful animals!
July 20th, 2006 at 6:44 am
Bai Yun and Su Lin were out early - before 6:00 a.m. PST They played a bit until a tech lured Bai Yun off into something and then lured Su Lin down from the tree with a treet. Su Lin was put in the large what-ever-it was with Bai Yun. Next PandaCam was on the two of them confined to their bedroom. More play, but soon Su Lin was all played out. Poor Bai Yun paced and paced and paced. She is so unhappy not being able to go outside an is being confined.
July 20th, 2006 at 8:41 am
Rorlee,
Mei Sheng is on exhibit this week and is availble for public viewing. He continues to rotate on a weekly basis with his father Gao Gao.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:38 am
KIDS RULE!!! Thank you to Mrs. Woods and her class of great kids who are endeavoring to make a difference in this world. I think you are all wonderful and hope you will continue to love ALL animals and spread the word about how to help save them.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:55 am
Suzanne:
Thanks for the narration. These wonderful animals really touch all that come in contact with them. I love the conservation efforts of these children. As a kid, I participated in a SPCA program over the summer that had to do with observing animals in my neighborhood and making the connection between my neighborhood and the world. I am glad that there are special teachers out there that too make the effort to teach outside their " neighborhoods" .
Thanks for all the updates and information, I like everyone else clamor for more knowledge and know that we are privileged to observe these wonderful creatures
July 20th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
Suzanne,
When I was at the zoo in April I asked about the future of Mei Sheng since his third birthday is coming up and he should be going back to China. Is there any news about this silly Panda???? I shall be at the zoo again for Su Lin birthday and hope to here about her big brother. Please let us know in the news section of this website. Is Hua Mei pregnant again???
Thank you for all you do for these wonderful animals.
July 20th, 2006 at 6:35 pm
Kathy #12,
China has requested that Mei Sheng be returned to China after his third birthday. We are in the process of getting our ducks in a row to make that happen. Look for him to make his return trip sometime early next year.
July 20th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
I hope Mrs. Woods and her kids read the Panda blogs, because they should know that we think their fund raising and their efforts to educate others about conservation are just terrific! What a great group of kids, and what a great teacher!
On another note, it seems there are at least two burning questions from Panda fans: The fate of Mei Sheng, and plans for Su Lin's birthday. I don't imagine that you can say anything about Mei, as that decision is up to the Chinese. There are a lot of rumors about a New Mexico Zoo that has asked for him, but I'm sure you will tell us when you have concrete information. As for the little princess, please let there be a fruitsicle cake in her future! And let us know what we can do to help make her birthday a special day.
July 21st, 2006 at 4:53 am
Out of the mouths of babes! Thank you Mrs. Woods for encouraging your students to learn more about Pandas and allowing them to watch the Panda Cam. You have truly instilled in them a love of these beautiful creatures and the wilderness they live in. I believe the simple act of learning about an animal - simply seeing how they live and interact with their cubs - can really educated a child in ways reading about them can't. Thank you - and our dear sweet pandas thank you too!
July 21st, 2006 at 8:31 am
Suzanne,
We, too, are wondering when Mei Sheng will be leaving, and if you know the date, when he will last be on exhibit. We are planning a trip back to San Diego in late August and don't want to miss him. Thank you so much!
July 21st, 2006 at 10:46 am
How wonderful it is that Mrs. Woods and her class are so interested in learning about pandas. They are getting the benefit of the SDZ panda cams and the newly trained " Meerkats" who have made seeing the bears easier. I hope the kids will continue their interest in animals and be able to visit them at the Zoo!
When some of us had the privilege of going to China in April and held and played with a panda cub, it was the result of many years of loving Giant Pandas and a desire to see them in person. When you have a dream sometimes it can and will come true, even if it takes many years.
July 21st, 2006 at 1:15 pm
Suzanne, " Through the eyes of a child" is a wonderful way to see your first Panda! Shortly I will " give up" the Panda Cam because separation anxiety is a real problem for me. Mei Sheng going to China and Sue Lin having her own space is hard to believe as it seems like only a short time since Mei Sheng was born…and only days since Su Lin was born. Lately I have so enjoyed cleaning up time on the Cam. Su Lin and one of the keepers seem to have a very special relationship (is she Joanne?). Many of my favorite pictures are with Joanne-it is wonderful to see the love in both the Panda's and Joanne's faces. Blessings to all and thank you! Claudia
July 22nd, 2006 at 5:08 am
At 6:05 PDT, both Bai and Su were in the tree cuddling. What a sight. It's still somewhat dark in San Diego, but I could clearly make them out. Can't wait until my trip the first week in August to see the Panda Royals… King Gao Gao, Queen Bai Yun, Prince Mei Sheng and Princess Su Lin. Keep up the awesome work everyone at CRES does for these beloved animals.. and for all animals!
July 24th, 2006 at 7:59 am
nice to see you back Pamela G. How wonderful it is to have teachers like Mrs.Woods guiding our children into the world of conservation. they will learn that all creatures are important to the survival of our planet. I can't think of anything more special than the world through the eyes of a child, how clean and pure their mind is. To all the teachers out there teacher your children well, they are our future.
July 24th, 2006 at 10:33 am
well there is good news from wolong panda lovers. The first born panda baby this year, the mother is famous for escaping from captivity and then walking into the workers housing complex almost four years after her escape. she was artifically inseminated this april , but because of her age and hadn't gained back all her strengh they didn't think that she would have cub. congratulation Bai Xue (snow white). they also said the papas name is Shi Shi . could it be our Shi Shi ?
July 24th, 2006 at 5:55 pm
Oh Suzanne! It's official…China has asked for Mei Sheng's return. This makes me cry! I realize that it is because all of the wonderful staff there that this is even possible, but I can't help think about how much I/WE will miss him. Mei Sheng is my first baby panda. I have watched him grow to be this beautiful, serene, amazing panda bear and I will miss him with ALL my heart. I wonder how well he will acclimate to his new surroundings? Does he understand commands in Chinese and English or do the trainers in China also speak English to our English understanding pandas? I must make it down to San Diego before he leaves. Congratulations to all of you for raising him so well. Tearfully, Elle.
July 25th, 2006 at 10:19 am
I like all of us panda lovers have tried to put this time out of our mind,but with Mei Shengs birthday coming soon it has become a reality.I like all of us worry about him and I like Elle have tears in my eyes and a ache in my heart for such a sweet, smart , and beautiful bear. I watched him sleep the other day and he had a smile as usual on his face . This I will truly miss. I'm just sorry that I will not be able to see him before he goes and I too would like too thank all the wonderful people involved with him, It will be hard for them also. Thank you again staff for such a wonderful bear.
October 11th, 2006 at 1:36 pm
Suzanne, how many years can a panda live?