Homeward Bound, Part 1
Posted at 1:08 pm October 3, 2007 by Suzanne Hall
The Wolong panda facility, on the Pitiao River
Today Mei Sheng takes another step in the process of preparing for his trip to his ancestral homeland of China. He will be off exhibit as his pre-shipment veterinary health check is completed to ensure our boy is in top physical form before the journey. We expect a clean bill of health from Bai Yun’s only son, but even so, the head veterinarian from the Wolong breeding center and a member of our husbandry staff will accompany him all the way from San Diego to Wolong to ensure his well-being along the way. I’d like to take a little time to explain to you a bit about our history of work with Wolong and what might be in store for Mei Sheng when he arrives there.
An old-style panda pen
The Wolong breeding center was built in 1985 via the collaborative efforts of the Chinese and the World Wildlife Fund, who funded the construction of the first exhibit spaces there. Originally, there were 10 small pens with high cement walls and dirt exhibit spaces attached to small bedrooms for the panda population at the facility. Since then, the influence of researchers from Western collaborators such as the San Diego Zoo have helped to improve these old pens with the addition of natural substrates like grass and wood as well as improved exhibit furniture in the form of climbing structures.
In the 1980s, Wolong was home to a small number of pandas captured from the wild. As little was known about the biology of the panda, husbandry and management techniques were not yet perfected for this species. The captive population was not sustainable, as the number of births in captivity did not exceed the number of deaths. More wild pandas were brought in to the facility to continue to try to develop a self-sustaining population, but success was elusive.
Suzanne is pictured observing pandas in an old-style pen in 2000.
The San Diego Zoo’s first researchers arrived to work in Wolong in 1995. The behavior, nutrition, and endocrinology of the bears was carefully studied, and Chinese researchers came to San Diego to further expand their knowledge base about the science of saving species. Other organizations, such as the CBSG (Conservation Breeding Specialist Group), comprised of experts from many institutions in the U.S. and around the world, undertook extensive surveys of the captive population including bears from Chengdu and Beijing. Our understanding of panda biology, and what might be involved in developing a self-sustaining captive population, grew by leaps and bounds.
By the end of the last millennium, Wolong had dramatically turned around its trajectory of decline in favor of a burgeoning panda population. Improved management and nutrition lead to an increase in bears participating in the breeding process, and improved survivorship of cubs born at the facility. Births now outnumbered deaths, and wild bears were no longer needed to supplement the growing number of residents at the breeding center. It seems every year now they produce a record number of panda cubs, and 2007 is also on track to be a good year. As of mid-September, 13 cubs had been born in Wolong, and they may not be done yet!
In my next installment, I will address the changes to the Wolong facility that have occurred over time in an effort to house and maintain the ever-increasing population of bears there and some of the research we have been able to conduct as a result of our collaboration with the Wolong staff.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician with the Giant Panda Unit of Applied Animal Ecology/San Diego Zoo.
Clarification from Suzanne: There appears to be some confusion about Mei Sheng’s status based on some of my opening comments. To clarify: he was only off exhibit for the day due to his exam. Today he is back on exhibit.
Though I cannot say precisely when he is scheduled to leave, I would encourage those of you who wish to see him before his departure to come by very soon. We currently have a green light for his return and, barring unforeseen delays, he will not be here much longer. Further, at any time he can be pulled off exhibit as a part of preparation for his voyage, a situation more and more likely as his departure date nears. So if you are planning a trip to say goodbye, please make it very soon.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 1:14 pm
I´m so sad to know that the day is comming soon…
My baby boy is leaving…
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I got goose bumps and a little teary eyed reading about the transition. I think we all feel sad having to let go of something we’ve grown attatched to and of course we feel SDZ is one of the finest when it comes to pandas…But the U.S. has been involved in seeing that our charges leave the Zoo to a place that has improved its’ care and they do love their pandas in China… They loaned us the pandas.. And thank God they did…We have all benefited from this experience with these wonderful teddy bears called pandas…After all we had a much longer time with our ” boy†than his sister… Be grateful and happy… He will be fine in his homeland…
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Is he already off exhibit? I was hoping to see him this coming Saturday…
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:37 pm
now as I leave for the day I had to read this. the tears are flowing folks, our boy is going the day has finally come ,I got to go Mei Sheng you are loved and will be dearly missed. good journey my sweet boy
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:52 pm
I was so happy to see Mei Sheng in September. He was relaxed, sleeping. I hope he finds his new home in Wolong comfortable and he continues to thrive there. I look forward to hearing that Mei Sheng has fathered a precious cub! Will he have more opportunities to interact with other pandas?
I wish him a safe and uneventful trip to China. We will miss him and never forget him.
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Thanks, Suzanne for carefully explaining this all to us, and helping us get through the transition as best we can.
Tears keep streaming down my face everytime I think about Mei Sheng making the long journey to China, and leaving his beloved home at the SDZ with his loving support team and familiar scent of his family behind. We all must grow up eventually, and he has a very important destiny to fulfil. In a few short years his parents and sisters will be joining him at Wolong, so they will at least be reunited aromatically.
You mentioned in an earlier blog that the reason you didn’t put Mei Sheng and Su Lin together in the same exhibit space was you didn’t want a relationship to start that would have to be ended soon by his departure. Hopefully their interactions in the trees in the rain, and at the Howdy Gate, helped them learn to communicate with other adolescent bears so they are better prepared when they arrive at Wolong. Since they were not always attentive to each other, and he was more than she, it will probably be less of a change for her to no longer have a handsome young panda calling to her and looking at her through the Howdy Gate.
Now our attention must be focused on watching Su Lin and her sister grow up to be wonder-full beautiful bears like their parents and their brother and half-sister.
May GOD bless your long journey our handsome panda prince, and have a long and prosperous life in your ancestral homeland in the Chinese mountains.
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Does ” a member of our husbandry staff will accompany him all the way from San Diego to Wolong” mean a caretaker he is used to seeing every day?
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Thank you so much for the information, Suzanne. I think we are all anxious about what awaits Mei Sheng and need some reassurance that he will be loved and valued when he is sent to China. It’s hard to have him leave but it’s good to know that he will be doing his part in preserving the panda species, which is the most important part of what you are all doing. I look forward to your next installment!
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:27 pm
How sad…will the baby boy have the same treatment received here? Are they really, really looked after? Also, will it always be necessary to send the young ones back to China?
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Thanks Suzanne, I am enjoying this history of Wolong. It’s amazing how much you have learned and been able to do in such a short period of time with the Pandas.
I have seen Mei Sheng in person and also have some great pictures of him. He will make everyone who know and love him proud when he gets to China and starts producing (like we know he will do). Luckily there are 4 other pandas in San Diego to keep our hearts happy.
October 3rd, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Thank you Suzanne and SDZ! I am fairly new to the blogs, only since the new cubs birth, but have thoroughly enjoyed them…especially the ” Poem of Hope” by Pamela and the conversations by P. Wong. I have been a frequent visitor to NZ and have watched Tai since birth. Just reading these blogs show the love of Mei Sheng and the tears flow, as I can only hope he recieves the care he deserves in the homeland. I dread the day when Tai leaves us, but that is the agreement, whether we like it or not.
As I visit Tai again for a couple days next week, I’ll say a special prayer for Mei Sheng and will treasure that much more the time we have with these precious creatures. I only wish I had known him as you all have.
As for the little Miss Cubmuffin…well, all the names are wonderful. But ” Bright Star” , which she has been called almost since the beginning defiately gets this vote.
October 3rd, 2007 at 3:28 pm
sincere thank you to all the techs., caretakers, and vets who shared in mei sheng’s care and growth while he was here.
farewell sweet prince, and god speed.
joan
painted post, n.y.
October 3rd, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Looking forward with a heavy heart to Mei’s trip to China….it seems to comfort me when I realize that all the funds paid by the US zoos and others are funneled back into Wolong and the Chinese zoos which will eventually house them. Our babies will enjoy upgrades not possible without the rental payments for their visits and births here. So, SO hard to say goodbye, but I think we will get a glimpse now and again of our panda babies as they settle into their new lives in China.
Do any of the SDZ staff know of a Chinese ” introduction to wild” plan regarding repopulating their bamboo forests with some of these pandas? Will any of the teenagers/adults be released into the wild in the foreseeable future, (carefully monitored) so that regeneration can be begin to occur on a natural basis?
October 3rd, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Will we be allowed to say good bye or is he now off exhibit? As you know, many of us, not to mention your staff, are deeply in love and in awe of this beautiful bear. It would be terribly sad not to give us some warning.
I understand that for security reasons the date can not be disclosed and I applaud you for taking every precaution. Kiss Kiss Mei Sheng.
October 3rd, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Suzanne, thank you so much for this series on Wolong. We all want to know more about where our favorite son is going. I can help but cry just thinking about Mei Sheng’s departure. I have not even had the chance to see him in person. I greatly appreciate all the care and love you have given him these past 4 years and I do have every confidence that he will be well taken care of. I really hate to see him go but understand and appreciate the bigger picture of the needed diversity in the gene pool and that China is his natural home. You must all be very proud. Please give an extra apple to Mei from me. I will miss him greatly….Elle in San Jose.
October 3rd, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Dear Panda Caretakers and Pandaholics,
If Mei Sheng had to go anywhere on this Earth other than San Diego, I cannot imagine any location nicer than Woolong. Sheng is a very sociable bear and the Woolong keepers have really created a social environment for the young bears. I suspect that Mr. ‘Born in the USA’ will be quite eager to ‘chat’ with the pandas at Woolong, play with them, relish the beautiful trees, hear the rushing of the nearby river, and enjoy that stuff called snow! Mei Sheng will be missed, that is for certain! For those of you who have never seen any video of the pandas at Woolong, go to you tube dot com and type in Woolong pandas. I think after watching some of the many videos available, you will see that the pandas are in good hands, and perhaps, your hearts will rest easier. Believe that as your tears now fall, they can become snowflakes
that will land on Mei Sheng in China. His destiny awaits him and thanks to the SDZ he will be able to full fill it.
Sincerely,
Bobbie Wood
October 3rd, 2007 at 4:53 pm
I just hope he is well cared for.
October 3rd, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Mei Sheng was the first panda that I had watched grow from birth until now. I will miss him greatly. I hope he will be as happy in Wolong as he has been in the SanDiago Zoo. Much love goes along with him on his long journey into his new life. We all hope to hear much good news about him in the future.
October 3rd, 2007 at 5:36 pm
I’ve had such a special connection with Mei Sheng the 3 times I’ve had the honor of seeing him. It breaks my heart that he has to leave and all I can do is pray that China takes extra special care of him like his keepers did at SDZ. I know he has a close relationship with his keepers and the curators as well as locals who visit him frequently. Will he be with a familiar face once he arrives in China? Will we be able to get updates on his well being once he settles in?
I am so thankful I was able to see him 2 weeks ago to say goodbye. He’ll be forever in my heart–I love you, big boy…Eat lots of bamboo and make lots of special friends to play with. XOXOXO
October 3rd, 2007 at 5:48 pm
At the ” Taste of CRES” seminar with Dr. Swaisgood, he showed us how Wolong has transformed from this place with some concrete boxes to the state of the art research facilities with beautiful outdoor yards. And that how much contribution was made by US teams (that includes Bai Yun and other panda residents in the US).
I’m looking forward to more installments.
October 3rd, 2007 at 6:49 pm
#16 Bobbie Wood – Thanks for your words of encouragement as our US Panda ambassador heads back to his homeland. It seems that every panda milestone is sad. I cried when Tai was separated from his mother & will shed a ton of tears when he leaves us. Because I was not aware of the SDZ panda cam did see MeiSheng grow up-but see from the blogs how much he is loved I’m sure he’ll have a ball playing with other pandas & if a video of Tai & MeiXiang are any indication of how they love snow – he’ll be in a panda heaven, even if some of the snow flakes are tears. Safe trip, great one & may you bring many cubs into the world.
Guess that leads to me a question about male pandas – are they free to find a mate (or more than one) & how does Woolong know who the pappa is.
October 3rd, 2007 at 7:02 pm
I know he’s going home to the land where he belongs. But I’m sure going to miss him.
October 3rd, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Can you share with us estimated travel durations? How long after he leaves will he actually arrive in Woolong? I’m trying to picture a panda with jet lag (to keep from being sad).
Will he be back on exhibit before he leaves?
October 3rd, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Hi! WOW!!! What a history lesson about the Wolong panda center. I’ve heard that this facility is one of the better known panda breeding centers in China from what I’ve been reading over the last couple of years. The National Zoo also has ties with Wolong. I sure do hope that the Chengdu panda center is just as great as Wolong with their captive breeding program. Chengdu has ties with the Atlanta Zoo and I think the Memphis Zoo. Got on the cam earlier today and saw baby girl taking her nap. Still Cute!! Read about Mei Sheng getting ready for his long trip to China later this month. Sorry to read that he’ll be off exhibit now. A lot of Mei Shang fans are going to be sad when they hear about this, but I know that Suzanne and her panda staff know what’s best for him while working towards getting him ready to go. We will all miss seeing him on the pandacam every day! You go, Mei Sheng!! Be a good boy and behave yourself, ok? Want to hear from Wolong about you being a daddy some day!!
Back to pandacam to check on baby girl (when it works!)!!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 3rd, 2007 at 7:53 pm
What a sad goodbye…I had my reservations about Wolong, but after research it appears the pandas are well cared for. Perhaps not to the extent they are in the U.S., but certainly in a humane manner, from what I’ve seen. Evelyn #9, you bring up a point that I wonder myself and simply can’t comprehend – why can’t we keep pandas here? Why do they have to go back ” home” when they were born on US soil? Clearly, politics play into this, which is unfortunate. I guess it ” is what it is” and we must wish Mei Sheng best wishes in his new home. I’m sure he will fit in just fine and always remember the wonderful keepers at the San Diego Zoo.
October 3rd, 2007 at 8:43 pm
It is so sad to see Sheng leave his birth-land, but Thanks to Suzanne and the others there for letting us know the conditions and care at Wolong are going to be top-notch also.
He won’t ever truly be gone, for he carries part of us with him everywhere he goes… everytime someone calls him by name, it is a tribute to his birth-land. And we know that he will make us proud to say he was ” Made in the USA” — and because of our researchers who made great strides in panda conservation over the past decade, he can enjoy a healthy, long life at the Wolong facility. We are not in competition with the Chinese, we are working together. FINALLY!
What a great gift to pass on his genetic gentleness and sweetness to future generations of pandas. And who knows, maybe someday we will be able to welcome his child or grandchild to the US for years of more panda fun.
Joy
October 3rd, 2007 at 9:56 pm
As with all the zoo’s departures this month, it will be sad to see Mei Sheng go, and sad not seeing him on panda cam. I hope he adjusts well to his new home, and sdz keeps us posted on his progress. I’m starting to well up now, after reading all the blogs of everyone who is leaving, it’s a promising, yet sad month. Please keep us posted on his trip to china, and how he is doing after he arrives. =)
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:23 pm
As so many are sad about MeiSheng’s departure – have to comment about the panda cam – it seems to be back – am getting great shots of our ” Bright Star” We seem to say good-bye to a favorite panda and hello to our newest cubbie-we are fortunate to have cubs in the US to follow & love. May MeiSheng father many cubs.
October 3rd, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Thanks for the words of comfort and hope, Bobbie. I too hope Mei Sheng has a happy life in China and that we will be able to see and hear how he is doing on a regular basis.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:17 am
Greetings. I have had the good fortune of living only 1 hour away from the San Diego Zoo and having received Membership for the zoo last Valentines Day, my girlfriend and I have visited the zoo approximately 10 times since February. While we enjoy all of what the zoo offers, our destination has always been the Pandas. I can’t forget the first time that I saw these wonderful and majestic creatures, learning their names, and ultimately learning all I can about them. In addition to their very cute nature, I have come to appreciate their complex behavior and the San Diego Zoo’s commitment to their conservation. I am saddened to see Mei Sheng leave for Wolong, and I am planning a trip to the Zoo very soon. One thing that I have not seen in this website is the exact date of departure…Is it posted? Thank you, and may you, Mei Sheng, have a safe flight and a fruitful life in Wolong. Jenette and I will miss you.
October 4th, 2007 at 5:41 am
” Wolong” is one of the saddest word I’ve ever heard.
October 4th, 2007 at 6:51 am
Thanks Bobbie #16. I agree with in 100%… but when I remember his angel face tears well up in my eyes.
Although I live so far, I’m so grateful to have a chance to see Mei Sheng in person. The most handsome bear!
His name means ” born in the USA” and ” beautiful life” . So, I hope that his life there will be wonderful.
Mei Sheng or Pooper or Mr M, hugs and kisses.
I’ll see you and ” your kids” in Wolong soon.
October 4th, 2007 at 7:52 am
I have tears in my eyes also when I think Mei will be leaving but I know he must return to help fulfill his destiny and help produce more so that some day the pandas will no longer be an endangered species, and I want to thank you Suzanne for informing all about the work that is done together with Wolong to help conserve these animals, we sometimes think of SDZ and NZ and also AZ as just zoos, although SDZ has been in the forefront with research and conservation efforts all our equaly sharing data and helping to preserve the pandas way of being I am sure that SDZ is also helping Wolong in trying to find a way to release these animals back into the wild so they can produce in their natural environment. I know that is a little far in the future but I know that is what is the ultimate goal. I want to just say thank you for all your sleepless nights and sometimes exhausting research. Because it is paying off in a big way the NZ was able to produce a cub as was Atlanta and although nothing is being said I know that it was do to the hard efforts from the zoologists at SDZ and the research that was culmative effort with Wolong. Thank you
October 4th, 2007 at 7:53 am
Hi Suzanne…..thank you for your explanation of the proceedings involved in preparing our beloved Mei Sheng for his inevitable journey to Wolong – since his birth the time has simply ‘flown’ it seems like only yesterday that Bai’s son was born.
When Mei Sheng was a young cub he was a ‘mummies boy’ – he followed Bai everywhere and thrived on the care and attention that she lavished on him. I recall when the time came for separation from Bai I think that for awhile Sheng disliked it more than Hua Mei, his more ‘independent’ half sister.
Mei Sheng has since grown into a very handsome and still ‘loving’ adult, I am certain Wolong will be very proud of his return to his homeland.
Tami #2
I think I am correct in saying that Hua Mei remained at SDZ slightly longer than Mei Sheng, this was because an outbreak of SARS delayed her return.
Hua Mei was born on 12 August 1999 and departed in February 2004.
Mei Sheng was born on 19th August 2003 and sadly will leave some time this month – October 2007 – please advise me if the dates I quoted are incorrect.
Bobbie Wood #16
thank you for advising pandaholica that we can see more information regarding Wolong on YouTube, we rely on people like yourself for information to keep us all up to date.
I am not looking forward to the day when Mei Sheng finally leaves – I think that like Hua Mei, we will find out after he has left, mainly for security reasons of transporting a ‘priceless’ panda…
October 4th, 2007 at 7:55 am
It is bittersweet that Mei Sheng will be leaving his ” birth home” soon to head back to the land of his ancestors. However, that said, it has been an exciting and delightful experience to watch him grow from a ” stick of butter” to the fine male panda he is now. I predict he will be a real hit at Wolong and that all of the female pandas who come into contact with him will be bowled over by his charming and winning personality. Mei Sheng — Thanks for the Memories! May you produce many male heirs to carry on your genes and your legacy.
October 4th, 2007 at 8:09 am
Which panda is now on Camera 4? Is Mei Sheng still there?
It’s sad for us, but what an adventure it will be for him to return to his real homeland. My wish is for his son to live successfully in the wild. Wouldn’t it be fun if he met up with Tai Shan someday. Oh the stories they could share.
Have a good life Mei. We’ll miss you.
October 4th, 2007 at 9:45 am
I’m writing this with tears in my eyes knowing that our handsome young man will soon be moving to China. However, having just returned from Wolong I can honestly say that Mei Sheng will be loved and very well cared for. Wolong is truly a magical place; the panda enclosures are set among forests and misty mountains. We saw the pandas in the enclosure for 4 year olds and were thinking that soon they would be making a new friend. The enclosure was large with hills to roam and trees to climb. They are very well cared for and you can tell the staff really loves them. It breaks my heart to think of our precious bears ever having to leave us, but after experiencing Wolong I am reassured that they will be loved and cared for.
October 4th, 2007 at 10:28 am
I love you sweet boy.
October 4th, 2007 at 11:14 am
I too have a huge lump in my throat and tears in my eyes everytime I think about Mei leaving us – but I do know in my heart that he is a very special bear – and that he will be treated wonderfully at Wolong. I think he will have fun too – getting to play with other bears – and then eventually meeting his mate – I’m certain a very beautiful and sweet lady bear. Just think down the road – soon there will be baby Mei’s – most likely the most adorable and sweet baby pandas Wolong has ever seen! I think he will be just fine – but I sure will miss him lots – he just has the sweetest, fluffiest face I’ve ever seen on an animal. Kiss and hugs – and don’t forget to write Mei – we want to hear all about your new adventures – you silly bear!
October 4th, 2007 at 11:46 am
On a happier note, check out the wrestling mother – daughter at ZA this afternoon. It won’t be long before Bai Yun and BaiBee are wrestling and playing.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
I too, must add my sadness to this blog. I don’t think it is fair to Mei Sheng, to send him away. I know why he is going but, it seems he could accomplish the same thing here in the USA. There are many female pandas here now. Mei Lan, Loon Loon. There is Memphis and National Zoo also with females. I just hate the thought of him in a cage (or pen) somewhere cold. I think it will be a shock to his system and mind.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
I was luckly to travel to Wolong last month with a the Friends of the National Zoo. It is a lovely setting with mist covered mountains and water rushing by. Many of the enclosures run right up the side of the mountains. One of the Wolong officials spoke with our group and he told us that their goal is to reintroduce captive bred pandas to the wild but that older pandas who have had very close contact with humans would not be candidates for this program. Although we couldn’t see Hua Mei because she was in the ” new mothers” area; she is described as one of the ” stars” of Wolong. I think we can expect the same star treatment for Mei Sheng. Wolong is far away from many amenities of modern life so the keepers must be committed to pandas to be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to live there. I saw Mei Sheng in San Diego when he was a 6-month old cub high in the trees; although I feel sad he will be going so far away, I feel that Wolong will be a good home for him. As the signs there say, it is the pandas’ hometown.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Suzanne, if Mei Sheng is off exhibit, and/or on his way to China, will you be able to put Gao Gao back on exhibit without disturbing Bai Yun and cub? You mentioned earlier that while the cub was tiny no efforts to relocate Gao Gao would take place so as to allow Bai Yun peace and tranquility to bond with the cub. Now that the cub is much bigger, and Bai Yun has taken her outside in the moonlight many times, is it ” safe” to move Gao Gao to the front so he can be on exhibit again? Do you ever leave the Howdy Gate open when the adults are there so they can do a visual sighting of their ” neighbors” if they choose to? I would think that in the wild animals in that close proximity would have some sort of visual sighting either on the ground or in the trees of other animals in the same area. It would help to visualize the body that goes with the scent. Obviously it wouldn’t happen often or for long, but maybe for introduction purposes. It is interesting that Tai Shan and Tian Tian have stopped and observed each other through mesh screens, but Mei Xiang is not at all interesting in checking out her son any longer. It is definitely good riddens for her where Tai is concerned. She groans when she sees or hears him bleat, whereas Tian gently and warmly responds. Does Gao ever climb trees or does he spend all his time on the ground eating and sleeping. It is interesting to see Mei Xiang and Tian Tian climbing trees together to see who will be ” owner” of the treasured spot. They sometimes climb them when they are alone too. I thought pandas stopped tree climbing when they reached maturity. Sheng is not fully mature yet so it is understandable that he still likes to climb. Tian climbed one of the new maple trees in their new big yard last year and the poor tree has most of its branches broken, except at the very top, as a result. It will be many years before it recovers. Apparently he and Tai liked to eat the sweet leaves. I guess the honey spread on toys for enrichment was very enticing to them.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Sayuri #20, thanks for the information you received from Dr. Swaisgood. He has visited Wolong many times and knows first hand what they are doing, and how they treat their pandas. It is obvious that Wolong keepers have a special high-trust relationship with their pandas. Now that they have the $ to upgrade, and the world spotlight is on their care and efforts to conserve pandas and their home territory, they are putting it to good use. Since Mei Sheng is a ” celebrity” as the first male cub to go to China from USA, and to my knowledge first male cub to go from anywhere outside China, he is very likely to be treated well. Hua Mei has been, and her mothering skills have thrived. Hopefully his fathering skills will also thrive and he will bear many young, handsome panda boys like him. If so the panda world will be an even better place.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
#42 Lynn and #37 Judy, thank you for letting US pandaholics know the real situation in Wolong. What you said should set a lot of minds at peace.
I have a bittersweet feeling about Mei Sheng leave. However we must understand that this is his destiny. For pandas to return to wild, current captive pandas need to live in an environment as close to nature as possible. Mei Sheng will be well taken care of and loved by all keepers. Hua Mei is an example. She received royal reception. Military guards accompanied her all the way. She is a celerity. All captive pandas are.
Though Wolong’s condition is not as high tech and modern as SDZ, if you will, it is as close to Panda’s natural home as we can go. I am satistified when reading all the blogs written by Americans who have visited Wolong. I am sure Mei Sheng will be fine. Wait for the day Mei Sheng becomes papa and make us all proud.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Is there a challenge with all the cameras on the SDZ website, or is it just me? I haven’t been able to see anything since early yesterday. I imagine that the site is getting a lot of hits from people trying to find out about Sheng, but the blogs are working, but the cameras don’t seem to be.
Moderator’s note: We are still having intermittent problems with the cams and are working to resolve these issues.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Lynn #42, thanks for your account of your very recent visit to Wolong. It helps to read what people who have been there recently can tell us about Mei Sheng and Hua Mei’s ” new” home. I am certain that he will be treated as a star, that the Chinese hope he will be as a breeding male. He will be well nourished and cared for to that end. Since he is a star, and has had so much human attention, in addition to his valuable genes, he is not a candidate for release into the wild. However, one of his offspring, or of Hua Mei, Sun Lin, cubbette, might be since they will all be born at Wolong. It will be interesting to see how much ” fanfare” he receives on his arrival at Wolong. Since he is only the second panda cub, first male, to go there from USA, he deserves the spotlight and red carpet that Hua Mei received.
October 4th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Margaret (#46), I was going to write about the same thing—what’s up with the cams??? Especially the pandacam!! Been able to get on the elephantcam, apecam, and polarbearcam. But the pandacam is still eluding us! This is the first chance for me to get on the website tonite since I was out all day doing some things. Got on the pandacam, and boy was I disappointed that the cam was out! Missed out on seeing Bai and baby girl! I’m not worried about Bai, tho. She’s doing her motherly thing and doing a great job taking care of her baby girl. I do hope that this cam situation can be resolved very quickly by tomorrow, and that the IT guys can get it to work properly with the new parts that I hope have come in by now! In the meantime, panda lovers, we have the National Zoo, Atlanta Zoo, and Memphis Zoo to go to and check out their pandacams to see their lovely pandas doing their daily routines. SDZ, let us know when you have this cam fixed for good, ok? Thanks for your hard work on this!
Gonna go and check out the other pandas! BYE!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 4th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Yes, he will be contributing to the future of his species, but still that does not negate the sadness we all feel regarding his departure. He is indeed very special and I’m very disappointed that he could not stay in the US and mate with the other female bears in the US. Thank you, SDZ and panda research team, staff, and keepers for taking such excellent care of Mei Sheng. God bless you all, especially all the pandas in the world. Love you always, Mei Sheng!!! Be good!
October 4th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
I visited Wolong Sept. 20th in conjunction with a Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) tour. I was very impressed with the facility. The pandas have large areas to roam, lots of climbing structures, it is cool, steep mountains and mist. The keepers appear very fond of the pandas. Mei Sheng will have a big new world to explore and I am sure he will be much loved. I was lucky enough to have my picture taken with Hua Mei’s 3 yr old son, Mei Ling. He is a really big bear, healthy and looks very happy in his environment. Mei Sheng’s genes will be a great addition to the gene pool and I am sure all the panda ladies are anxiously awaiting his arrival.
October 5th, 2007 at 6:34 am
Thank you so much for the history lesson of Wolong, Suzanne. It looks breathtaking from the photos. I am traveling there next September and can hardly wait! I hope to see a well-adjusted happy Sheng…just like he was at SDZ when I saw him in the fur in August. I’m sure Wolong will take wonderful care of our little man. I hope he has inherited Gao’s er…natural abilities.
October 5th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Dean, #51, thanks for your first hand description of your very recent visit to Wolong. Each of you who have been there are painting a very vivid picture of a pandas dream homeland. The Panda King must be smiling broadly.
I am intriqued by your comment that you had your picture taken with Hua Mei’s 3 year old son, Mei Ling. I have read on the Wolong website previously that several people in photos were with one of Hua Mei’s sons. Either her offspring are especially mellow, which is possible but not likely, or the keepers at Wolong have such a great relationship with the panda cubs that even a three year old ” really big bear” is manageable enough to be photographed with visitors.
For those of us who are somewhat apprehensive about the treatment that Mei Sheng will receive from Wolong keepers, that speaks volumes.
I believe that at US zoos keepers don’t go into the exhibit with pandas after about 12-18 months of age. I know I have read that by the time they are independent of the dam, humans have only protected contact with cubs.
So, if Mei Sheng is going from protected contact to a world where the native born cubs still had human contact at age 3, he will have plenty of interaction with keepers whether it is protected or possibly in person. That to me defines the level of trust that pandas in care of keepers at Wolong have developed. Thanks for pointing out that very important fact.
October 6th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Judy #37, Lynn #42 & Dean #50
Thank you for your up close and personal accounts of the Wolong facility. Indeed, they have helped put my mind at ease.
Thanks, Rose
October 6th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Margaret #52. Our FONZ group was lucky enough to have an hour conference with the Asst. Director at Wolong. He indicated that keepers have more contact, training, etc. with the pandas in order to build trust between animal and keeper. In my two days there, none of the adult or sub-adult pandas appeared bored, they were very active if not eating or sleeping. And, of course, the kindergartners were wildly playing, runnng about or sleeping from exhaustion. We were able to play with them (for a fee) in their play area, they were adorable. Of the babies in the nursery (5) we observed a 6 day old twin and watched him nurse on the bottle. Again, do not worry, Mei Sheng will have a great new world to explore and will have tender loving care.
October 7th, 2007 at 3:11 am
I spend long hours watching the Wolong kindergarten pandas playing, as well as the smaller ones, who seem nursery school age. They are so happy, and you can tell the Wolong staff (panda mommies and daddies) love them. They always seem to have a smile when working with their adorable charges. Don’t take my word for it. Go watch the Wolong cams.
I am so happy that Mei Sheng will have other pandas with whom to play. I only got to know him after he was a big boy, but I fell madly in love with his sweet face. I dream of all the little baby pandas he will father with that same wonderful expression.
I love you Mei Sheng, and I hope you will be extremely happy and healthy in your new home.
October 7th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
Thanks, Dean, #54, for sharing your recent experience at Wolong with us. The more we read and hear about Wolong, the better the word sounds, and the more excited I get for Mei Sheng and the experiences he will have there. Most of all I am happy for him to have such a fun, large area, in natural panda habitat to ‘play’ in. I am also hopeful that he is young enough that he will get to have companionship and playtime with other adolescent pandas. Who knows, he might even get to play with one of Hua Mei’s first twins. Now that would be worth going to China to do!
October 8th, 2007 at 6:13 am
THANK YOU Dean, Judy and Lynn, with all you info it put my my at ease but I am still going to miss seeing his smiling face and all his antics. I am glad that he will have alot of friends to play with and maybe get to see his sister and her kids.
October 9th, 2007 at 12:22 am
*sniff* it is so sad to know Mei Sheng is leaving the US to go to Panda Homeland. Even though I have never seen him in person, he holds a very special spot in my heart. He is such a lovable, personable and handsome bear! San Diego Zoo, my hat is off to you for taking such wonderful care of Sheng and his family thru the years. I wish him much success at Wolong, and may he be as successful a breeder as his wonderful papabear Gao Gao!
To Mei Sheng: good luck, have a safe trip, and I love you, from Auntie Lisa.
October 10th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Did he have to go?
October 10th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
It’s amazing how we connect with Sheng, Hua Mei and all the pandas. IT’s so beautiful to know there are many wonderful folks out there who love the pandas as much as I do. Mei Sheng, we will never forget you and will always love you! Hugs, love, and smooches to you! Hope to see you again one day, handsome boy! Be fruitful and multiply; and repopulate, may all your kids be cute, sweet, and funny like you!!!! Don’t be too much of a player and break other lady pandas’ heart when you get to Wolong, OK?
Love your friend and big fan, Susan
October 11th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
When does he leave?????
October 12th, 2007 at 8:25 am
Seems like Woolong is missing a golden opportunity. With all us faithful Panda fans they could take up a collection & get some GREAT camera equipment :0) That way we could still see our little man even when he is a world away!
Cherie in Oregon