Fire Update from the Panda Station
Posted at 11:38 am October 23, 2007 by Pamela Crowe
As you are all aware, numerous fires are sweeping through the San Diego area. I know many of our devoted panda fans are worried about the safety of our animal collections and staff, and especially our pandas.
The fires are burning both to the north and south of the San Diego Zoo. They are still quite a good distance away, and are not posing any threats at this time. Though the air quality is quite poor in many parts of the county, here at the Zoo it’s not too bad. We are all so grateful that, at this point, the Zoo and our animal collections are safe. However, we are closely keeping an eye on our sister facility, San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, which has been impacted by the fire. We are a family and will assist the Park as needed. Thankfully, the Park’s animals are okay.
The fires have impacted some of our employees who work here at the Giant Panda Research Station. Many have had to evacuate their homes, but everyone is safe. The pandas are doing fine. Our dedicated keepers continue to provide excellent care for them. None of the pandas have been moved to other areas, and none of the animals appear to be impacted by the air quality. Su Lin (pictured above) and Mei Sheng remain on exhibit for public viewing, and Bai Yun and cub are doing just fine in their off exhibit areas.
Last week Bai Yun and cub were given access to an additional area we call the classroom. It’s a large, outdoor exhibit with lots of trees and climbing structures that Bai Yun historically enjoys spending time in. This area is still off exhibit (meaning closed to the public), which maintains a quiet, private setting for Bai Yun and cub during this postpartum period.
And a final note: Thank you to all of you for your warm wishes during this very difficult time. I know I speak for all of us here at the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park when I say how comforting it is to read all of your concerns and well wishes.
Pamela Crowe is a research technician with the Giant Panda Conservation Unit of Applied Animal Ecology/CRES.
For updates about the fire conditions at the Wild Animal Park…
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October 23rd, 2007 at 11:50 am
Thank you, so much, for keeping us blog readers and cam watchers up to date on the happenings in regards to the fires and the conditions of the zoo, park and animals. I really appreciate it. I couldn’t sleep, last night. I worried about all the animals and my beloved polar bears. The pictures on the news stations are absolutely devastating. There is nothing so frustrating as living on the East Coast and wanting to help out with the West Coast. Best wishes and many prayers to all of you during this difficult time. Say hi to bears for me! And a special thank you for taking such excellent care of these animals.
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Thank you Pamela for your update. My heart has been in my throat with worry for the people and animals in So. Cal, esp. my beloved pandas. Please keep us updated.
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
I am thankful that everyone (humans and animals at both WAP, and SDZ) are OK. My GOD continue to protect all of you from the fires.
I see at about 12 noon PDT, Momma Bai is in the den munching away. I guess she decided to come inside to be with little girl and hang out. Maybe she senses danger in the distance and decided she wants to be inside where the air is fresher and she is closer to her baby.
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Thank you Pamela for the fire update for the SDZ panda fans. We have been thinking of everyone at SDZ and the Wild Animal Park and pray that everyone’s property will be safe. I’m really glad to hear that the bears are doing fine and are not having problems with the smoke. I’m hoping the fires will be contained very soon and there will be a significant rainfall soon as well. I would send some rain if I could…!!! Best to just pray for rain.
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:08 pm
With so much on your minds, thank you for taking time out to reassure us about the pandas! May everyone stay safe.
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Thanks very much for the updates. Keeping all of you and the rest of SoCal in thoughts and prayers!!!
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:41 pm
I am glad everyone is safe! I was sooooo nervous! Oh and by the way, when will we be able to vote for the little one’s name?
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:42 pm
At this difficult time, you still take time out to keep us informed, thanks. I learned about this fire minutes ago and felt so sick. It gives me a little relieve when I see princess butterball is doing fine with her mom Bai. I am glad everyone is OK. The zoo workers and keepers are great people, still around taking care of the animals, thank you so much for your love and dedication. People like you make the world a better place to live. I will pray for you all and the animals.
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:48 pm
We are all sitting helplessly, with lumps in our throats and a prayer on our lips. Thank you for such dedication to our beautiful creatures when your lungs are burning and your homes are in danger. Our thoughts and prayers are with you….please stay safe.
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Am glad to hear pandas are fine, so are the animals. Sorry to hear about the employees that were impacted by the fires. My prayers for protection and provision for all of them and the animals. My the good Lord continue to protect you all. Thank you for taking good care of the precious pandas and may Mei Sheng’s journey to China be safe and sound. God bless.
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:00 pm
We East Coast folks may live many miles away from Southern California, but we are quite concerned about the fires there and hope that everything turns out fine. We send our prayers and love to the pandas, the other zoo animals, the zoo staff, and their families.
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:00 pm
You guys be safe. We know you will do everything possible to keep the animals safe, but don’t forget about yourself. I’m shooting good vibes your way and hope everything turns out well for everyone!!
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:31 pm
I’m glad to hear people and animals are okay, and wish I could send some of our rain your way. From news reports it looks like the fires have been horrible, and have caused so much damage. There are many prayers California bound from the people of Ohio.
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Thanks do much for the fire updates – been so worried about you all. News story is on CNN now about you folks …take care, you’re in everyone’s thoughts
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:37 pm
We’re all worried about you! Our best wishes to all of you – and am hoping that all Zoo personnel and their families are well
You are in our prayers,
Amanda and Family
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Pamela,
Thank you VERY much for your update. I’ve been so worried about everyone at the SDZ and the Wild Animal Park, especially my panda buddies. I hope and pray that the staff goes unscathed during all of this, I can’t imagine what you all are going through. Please know that good thoughts and prayers are coming your way from all arond the country and please continue to keep us informed if you can! Take care of yourselves and all the animals…
Thanks again for the update, that really means alot to those of us who are panicking around the country..
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Many thanks for keeping us up to date. I live in Northern Virginia, and am so worried about you all there, including our pandas and all of the other animals, of course. It is very thoughtful of you to keep all of us around the country – and the world, really, in the loop – especially when you all have so much to do. Take care of yourselves and we’re all praying for you.
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:02 pm
I am so worried about all of you…animals and humans alike. I want everyone to be safe. I am praying that the fires stop soon. I do not want any furry, feathered, scaley, etc. life to suffer. Please, please keep us who live out of the area posted. You are in my prayers.
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Thank you so much for taking the time to update us on conditions there. I commend all of you for your care for the animals. Hopefully, these fires will be under control soon and things can get back to normal for all of you. Let us know if there is some way the people a long distance away can help when this is all over. I hope things continue to go well for all the animals and that all the employees and their families stay safe.
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Thank you for your update about fire and panda.
I hope and pray all animals at Wild Animal Park and San Diego Zoo, staff and their family are safe.
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Many prayers are headed your way from Vermont. Thank you very much for taking the time to let us know that all are o.k. It’s awful to feel so far away when we seem so close in our feelings for our Pandas, and all of the people involved with all of the animals at SDZ. Please be safe..you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
October 23rd, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Thank you so very much for your update on the people and the animals of SDZ. Thank you for your wonderful care of the pandas and the rest of the animals in their time of greatest need and protection.
October 23rd, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Pamela – Thanks so much for taking the time to update on the situation at the zoo. Those of us thousands of miles away watch the news & can’t believe what we’re seeing. We all worry about the staff, the volunteers and our beloved pandas & the other animals. Your dedication is beyond words. So glad that the smoke has not affected our pandas. But read that the WAP is much closer to the fires and have some minor damage. Just know that we are all praying for your safety & a change in the weather soon. Stay safe. Regards, Maureen
October 23rd, 2007 at 4:56 pm
I am so sorry you are all going through this horrible time and hope none of you loses your home. I was relieved and grateful to see your fire update and know the pandas and other animals there are safe and doing well. I pray the animals at the Wild Animal Park stay safe. May this be over soon. Thanks for all the wonderful care you give our beloved pandas.
October 23rd, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Thank you for posting this update; it has calmed my fears for your zoo, all the animals, but most especially the pandas. I have been concerned that should the terrible fire emergency require it, the pandas would have to be moved to safety and how that would affect Bai Yun and her baby girl. I am glad SDZ remains safe, and I will keep all your keepers and employees forced out of their homes by the fires in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Thoughts and prayers from your NorCal neighbors!
Thanks for the update. I hope all the zoo staff & ” residents” will continue to be well, and that the fires are contained very soon.
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Thank you so much for the update. I was so worried. Staff and animals will be in my prayers. Take care, Paula
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:38 pm
I watch the fires with so much concern for the animals and people of San Diego. The air looks so unbreathable…glad to see Mama and baby panda have retreated to their den. I need eyedrops and a face mask every time I look at the coverage! Our prayers are with you all that this disaster will end soon.
Watching CNN’s Planet in Peril tonight, it becomes so apparent how our footprint has forever changed the Earth. Great show, I recommend it.
Peace and Safety First!
Paula
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Thank you… in such difficult times you still make sure that we get an update on the status on the people and the animals. My heart goes out to all of you and your families and friends.
Take good care and be safe
Winnie,
Toronto, ON
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:34 pm
If I could send some of the 18 inches of rain that we have had in the past two months your way, I would. I heard a woman interviewed in NPR radio today who could not get up to her last two horses on her ranch. She was so distraught! It broke my heart.
I know that you all are looking after all the animals in the SDZ with the very best care that you can.
I wish all of you well, and let all of us panda people know what we can do!
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Glad to hear the panda family and other animals are safe. I’m very worried about them and all the keepers and staffs. Please take care and stay safe. You are all in my prayers.
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:38 pm
It is 9:36 PM PDT, and once again Bai Yun and cubette are absent from the den. I wonder why Bai Yun picks the quiet darkness to take the cub out of the den. She seems to be happy to have the cub with her in the den during the day, but for some reason chooses the late evening to move her outside. My guess is that it has something to do with the quietness and darkness otherwise I would think she would take her out in the daytime. Since they return by morning, she must not be totally dissatisfied with the den.
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:45 pm
I clicked away for 5 minutes to check the wild fire update from WAP, and when I clicked back on Panda Cam, Bai Yun and cubette were back in the den with the late night washing going on. So, I guess it was a quick look outside to check the weather, the air, and the stars, and now it is down to late night snack, bath, and bed for both of them.
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Thank you for the updates. As a southern Ca Resident, I am absolutly devastated at what is happening. I am having trouble breathing, and am very worried for all down in SD area ( Humans and animals)
Since the Elephant cam is down at WAP and news from there is very scarce any info is greatly appreciated. I am a huge fan of Vus Mussi the Elephant, and the worry is keeping me awake. Please keep any info coming.
Your in my prayers.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:47 am
Thanks God! Thank you for this very important update, my favorite zoo is safe!
October 24th, 2007 at 2:40 am
Thanks Pam for the update on the fire. Very glad to hear that all animals doing well and so are all the staffs. Su Lin little sister getting cuter by the days. Soooo round and soooo cute! She is so quiet for this recent examination compare to the last. She seem to enjoy cuddling on the vet arm and seem more relax and comfy!
When does she get her official portrait? Can’t wait!
October 24th, 2007 at 4:43 am
Yes, thank you so much for keeping us aware of the situation. What’s going on in California is terrifying and I agree with Debi in MA that it is very difficult to be on the other side of the country and not be able to help. I hope when the fires subside you will make volunteer opportunities available to repair any damage caused by the fires, because, looking at these blogs, you have a lot of willing hands.
You are all in our thoughts, best of luck.
October 24th, 2007 at 5:46 am
Dear San Diego zoo….
As a survivor of 3 hurricanes….my heart…my prayers are with you all!!!
PLEASE let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do for all of you.
Jo Ann
Florida
October 24th, 2007 at 7:14 am
My thoughts and prayers to all in San Diego! Jesus, please keep watch over your creations. Please calm the winds and send them some rain! Amen!
October 24th, 2007 at 7:29 am
Of course I’m concerned about all the humans and animals in Southern California. Even though we are finally receiving much needed rain out east here, I wish we could share some out there. But, the only other thought that crosses my mind is how widdle baby panda lungs are coping with the smoke….
October 24th, 2007 at 7:42 am
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE UPDATE, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES EFFECTED BY THIS FIRE AND ALSO WITH THE ANIMALS. I PRAY FOR RAIN FOR YOU I KNOW IT SOESNT RAIN MUCH OUT THERE BUT I SURE HOPE YOU GET A RAIN THAT COMES IN AND STOPS ALL OF THIS.
October 24th, 2007 at 7:50 am
If you decide to evacuate, where will you take the pandas? Will theybe Fed-EXed…as in the movement and delivery of Mei Xaing & Tian Tian of DC?
October 24th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Thankyou for your updates, I travelled to the SDZ 2 weeks ago as I watch the Panda Cam all the time. It was a thrill of a lifetime to see the Panda’s, and I am so happy that these horrible fires are not affecting the zoo, and that at the Wildlife park they are ” hanging” in there… It is pouring rain in Vancouver, BC right now, if I could send it south I sure would. Thankyou for your continuted dedication to the all of the animals. May your staff as well as your beloved animals stay safe at this horrible time.
October 24th, 2007 at 8:35 am
My prayers are to all the families at SDZ and the Wild Animal Park, for their contiued safety. If you you need panda foster homes, I will gladly take them all. Palm Springs is gorgeous this time of year. And even though it is to chilly for us humans to swim right now I am sure the panda clan would love it.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:24 am
I work near the zoo, and am pleased to tell concerned panda-fans that the air in the area right here has been better than anywhere else in the county for the last few days. We’ve even been able to see blue sky–it’s because of where the fires are (either side of the city) and the way the wind is blowing. The fires are coming under control (the wind shifted direction and is dying somewhat), so the zoo animals are safe.
For those of you who want to help the Wild Animal Park, look at the fire update page– there’s a note about their greening work and a way to donate to help them continue it.
Moderator’s note: Thank you, Gretchen. Here’s the link to the fire update page: http://sandiegozoo.org/wpmu/fire/
October 24th, 2007 at 10:09 am
I know the fire’s not close, but how about the smoke and ash in the air? Mei keeps rubbing his eyes like somethign is bothering them. Have they taken that into account and is there a place he can go inside to get out fo it if it gets too bad?
If not, he is welcome to come over here and spend the weekend with us. We have bamboo in the yard an 2 huge carob trees he’d love to clim in
October 24th, 2007 at 10:23 am
I want to add my thanks for the update on the conditions at the Zoo because of the wildfires. I also was very worried about the Giant Pandas and of course, all the animals. I have and will be saying prayers for the safety of all who are in the path of these destructive fires.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Thanks for the wildfire condition updates. I’m glad you folks and animals are OK. I thank the Lord for His mercies.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:02 am
I am thankful to read in the latest fire update this morning, ” Most animals remain safe, secure, and have weathered the firestorm well.” The loss of some of the Festival of Lights equipment in storage, and the loss of the empty condor breeding enclosure are sad, but I am grateful that it was not much worse. It is great that the animals knew instinctively to remain calm. Since animals are used as one of the indicators of climatic, environment, and biological change due to their keen 6th sense, it must mean that the destruction in the immediate are is hopefully over. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and your families in the personal loss of homes, possessions, etc. that you may have endured. Throughout all the stress and unavoidable sometimes chaotic conditions, you have remained true to your mission to protect and aid the animals in your care.
When visiting Yellowstone a few years after the massive fires we were struck by how quickly the plants and animals bounced back. Rangers commented that the elk in particular benefited from the extra nutrients that the fires brought to the area and the extra sunlight that allowed the lower vegetation to start fresh with renewed vigor and nutrient density.
Since bamboo is a relatively dry plant, although it can grow in damp soil conditions, does bamboo burn like other dry underbrush? If so, were your local supplies of bamboo adversely affected by the fires and the smoke?
How are the new baby elephant and the two pregnant mothers due in November doing with the thick smoke? It looks from the pictures of WAP that some areas had more smoke than others. With Festival of Lights equipment burning there must have been the strong smell of electrical fire in the air. That is especially difficult on the lungs.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:05 am
It is finally raining in DC, and Mei and Tian are taking full advantage of it. One of them is chasing the other all over their large new enclosure. My guess it is Mei chasing Tian, since I have not heard of him doing to her. They are sure getting their exercise, while their son is peacefully sleeping on a log next door. I haven’t seen them climb up a tree yet like Tian’s cousins in SD.
Hopefully rain will follow the change in wind direction and put out the remaining fires. If you get rain before he leaves, Mei Sheng can have one last grand rain party in the trees and say a tall Goodbye to Su Lin.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:07 am
Gretchen #45, Thank you for the info you provided. My heart has been in my throat for the last couple of days, I’m glad to know that there is some hope at last. I think most of our prayers have been answered, Thanks again.
Tania #34 hopefully some of the air will clear, please feel better.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:23 am
SDZ and Gretchen, thank you very much for the updates. I am glad to know that the people and the animals are safe and their air is fine. Thank you SDZ again for giving me an opportunity to help. I donated last night which enables me to sleep last night.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Thank you for sharing the updates with us. It really helps to know that the animals and people at both the Zoo and the WAP are okay. It’s so thoughtful of you to take the time, Pamela, in the midst of this terrible situation.
I hope all the staff and their families and homes are safe and well. You are important to us, too.
We have some smoke here in the LA area, but nothing life what you are experiencing. Stay safe!!!
October 24th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Good to hear that SDZ is okay at the moment. We’ve had several prayer e-mails going around for ya’ll. Hope everyone there continues to be safe.
Please wish handsome Mei Sheng a safe trip to his new home; let him know how much everyone here in the States loves him. We wish him a long, healthy and happy life in China. You will keep us posted with updates on him periodically, won’t you?
October 24th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Panda Queen #39, I couldn’t agree with your prayer more. Thanks for lifting them up to the Lord, as I’ve been doing a few email circulations myself for the sake of my friends in the SD area and the animals at SDZ and WAP. I’m in agreement that the wind would die down and rain would come to quench the fires in Jesus’ Name!
October 24th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
For those of you who want up to date information regarding the fires in San Diego county, please go to the following website:
http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/
It is directly from the county’s emergency department. It sure helps in finding out the latest info on all the area. Take care and God bless everyone at SDZ, WAP, all panda lovers, and all the pandas, of course!
October 24th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Just to reinforce what Pamela said above – just now I was checking out the various animal cams. On the ape cam the air doesn’t look too bad at all and 4 or 5 different apes seemed to be going about their usual activities. To the casual observer they didn’t seem distressed. Over at Polar Bear Plunge I didn’t see the bears, but I was delighted to see how clear the air appeared to be. I could clearly see people walking about beyond the far side of the exhibit. So I think the pandas’ lungs may not be much affected. I was even treated to a brief glimpse, maybe one minute on the elephant cam at the Wild Animal Park. I could see a great deal of smoke hanging in the air in the distance. But I could certainly see an elephant way at the far end of the enclosure by the structure and there was a large black bird that appeared to be a crow in the foreground.
October 24th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I watched mom earlier today, she seemed to be bringing her food into the den.. yesterday I thought baby girl was going to head out and mom came charging in ear forward and kept her inside.. what smart wonderful animals they are and what a good mom the baby has.
thank you to the keepers and care takers for taking time from your lives which must be in an uproar to care for these wonderful creatures that we across the country enjoy so much.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Thanks for the update. Last thing i want is for my panda to get smoke issues before he leaves… unless that will keep him here another year.
hmmm we may be on to something.
Can we tell China that he has developed asthma due to the fires… and it’s unsafe for him to travel at this time. and may not be cleared for flight until 2012?
October 25th, 2007 at 12:03 am
It’s almost midnight and Bai Yun is calmly eating a late night snack in the birthing den. The baby is soundly sleeping at her feet, undisturbed by what must be plenty of noise as Mama strips the ‘boo and crunches it with her strong jaws and teeth. I wondered when she replenshished the ” hay” on the floor of the den. Now I have the answer!
She often ate late at night/early in the morning in the outside exhibit, when Su Lin was older than her new little sister is now, so this is the same behavior, just inside where she can keep an eye on the little one.
You’re right, #58 -Monica. She is a good mom!
October 25th, 2007 at 12:14 am
Prayers coming your way from the UK! We were in SanDiego at Easter. Such a beautiful area, how awful that it should be destroyed so quickly. I know the zoo/wild animal parkanimals are safe, but I bet a lot of the local wildlife has suffered very badly.
Glad all the staff are OK, sad to hear many have lost their homes.
Love and healing thoughts to you all!
Any chance this could delay anyones trip to China?
October 25th, 2007 at 1:44 am
To see where the fires are go to Google then Maps. Click on the link on the top left that says ” California Wildfires.” Set your map for the hybrid view and center the map over San Diego. The SDZ is located just above the word ” Diego,” north of El Prado between Cabrillo FWY and Park Blvd. If you are curious as to just where the pandas reside keep zooming in until you see three bluish rectangles. If they were marks on the face of an analog clock the one at ten o’clock marks the spot. The outdoor exhibit areas are perpendicular to the southwest side of the building. To find the Wild Animal Park center the map on Escondido about 35 miles north. Then zoom in until you see a road named ” San Pasqual” to the east. Now zoom in further until going east along San Pasqual until you see Zoo Road. This map is being updated frequently and there is much information available right there. Still praying!
Liz S.
October 25th, 2007 at 5:23 am
Thanks so much for keeping this website so updated with the wonder that is the animal kingdom! I’m from Atlanta and I come to the website frequently to check on the cub. I’m so glad to hear that the fire has not affected the zoo. Unfortunately it has affected so many people in the area and our prayers are with San Diego at this most trying time.
Having watched our own Mei Lan over the course of the past year+, I have become truly enamoured with these animals and totally understand how the keepers can be so dedicated.
Thanks.
October 25th, 2007 at 6:50 am
Thank you for the update. My prayers for the safety of everyone associated with both the Zoo and the Wildlife Park, and as always, all the animals. Those of us who monitor the site know everyone has been impacted by these horrible fires, but also the staff is doing everything they can to protect the animals. Our thoughts are with you. Hopefully today will bring some relief, wind wise. Take care one and all.
October 25th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Everytime I look in on Bai Yun, when she is in her bedroom, I just have to laugh. She sleeps in the most comical positions.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:15 am
Thank you for keeping all of us posted on what is happening at The Zoo. I love Panda’s, I have been to DC and visited Tia Shan and it was great. I am looking forward to making it to your zoo too. I love your cams. The Panda’s and Polar Bears are my favorite. I am so happy to hear that all is well with all the turmoil of the fires. Thank God. Love and Prayers to all of you for doing a super job on keeping God’s gifts safe and sound. Debra Shuman Pinellas Park, Florida… Stay safe : )
October 25th, 2007 at 11:06 am
THANK YOU sooo much for the fire update. I am so thankful that today things seem to be looking somewhat better than they have earlier this week. You are all such committed people and care so much about your most precious ” charges” !!
I echo so many of the postings in that I am so thankful you are all taking such good care of the residents – but please also be sure to take good care of yourselves and each other! You are all sooo precious to all the animals you care for and to those of us out her in the cyber world….
God Bless and take care!
October 25th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Liz #62, thanks for the update on Google map zeroing in on SDZ and WAP. I was looking at a map yesterday to see where the current fires were burning relative to WAP. It looked like they were no longer near Zoo Road. Whew!
I am happy to hear how to check out where the pandas are located as well.
October 25th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Glad to hear that the fires are subsiding. Just wanted to write a quick note to thank Mei Sheng for all the hours of joy that he has provided me via the web cam. Such a beautiful, fun loving bear. I wish him well on his journey to his homeland and will surely miss his antics.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this terrible time…..wish that I could send some of the rain falling here now to you.
October 25th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
I see even amongst the chaos that chubby cubby had another exam yesterday, looking forward to the new stats….please be safe everyone!
October 25th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
#62 Liz.. thanks so much for the Google instructions. I lived on Park / Upas, about a 2 minute walk from the Zoo before I left S.D. in late 2003. In the late 90’s, I was neighbors with some of the visiting Chinese keepers. It’s definitely a different view from the aerial perspective rather than what I know by walking/driving/bicycling around my old neighborhood! It really is challenging to be 2,000 miles away with all of this going on- some of my friends in shelters and others staying with relatives or friends, but they’re safe! I can’t belieeeeeeeeeeve what’s going on in the surrounding areas in terms of fire.. this just happened in 10/03 and now again- but so much worse. I know the animals are protected and I’m saddened that wildlife has suffered as a result of these fires. Hopefully, there isn’t too much ash hitting the SDZ, but I know that WAP has been another story. I wish everyone and all the animals safety and well being.
October 25th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Thank you SDZ for keeping everyone updated on the fire and the progress of the animals!!!! I hope this will delay Mei Sheng’s departure to China I would like to enjoy him for a little while longer!! The SDZ makes my day at work a good one!!! Looking forward to the update on the progress of Bai Yun’s newest addition. GOD BLESS each and everyone of you for your hard work to KEEP ALL OF THE ANIMALS SAFE!!!!!!!!
October 25th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Well, you all deserve some congrats on how well you handled this fire situation and crisis. I’m glad that the zoo itself was out of the path of the fires, but I was really nervous thru most of this week for you all! To those of the SDZ staff that went to Wild Animal Park, you all did a great job helping the park staff with keeping the buildings from getting hit by the fires, and making sure the animals were safe. Hope that the worst is over, but never can tell with the kind of winds that blow in from all directions. Haven’t been on the cam today, but did check in on Bai and baby girl yesterday and last nite. I loved it when I saw Bai sitting in the den eating her bamboo while her little girl sleeping at her feet near the doorway. This little cub is really looking more like a panda cub every day! It also seems to me that her ears are starting to pop open. Haven’t seen the vet video yet, but I’ll get to it. I also watched ” Planet in Peril” on CNN the last couple of nites, it was very well made, should get an Emmy nomination, very interesting, and really showed what we, the humans, have done to our planet over the last 100 years since the industrial revolution started, some of this without actually knowing what we were doing until the last 15-20 years. The last 5 years or so has really been a wakeup call thru a very large concert, a movie, and a lot of people letting us know what has happened to our planet. Now, we really need to try to do our part to help these animals and their habitats thru conservation and other ways. This is where you all and other zoos, parks, wildlife sanctuaries come in to get us educated better and help us to understand the consequences of our actions on our planet. This program will be repeated again on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nites on CNN. It’s worth watching again! Gonna go back to the pandacam!
Luv to Bai and Baby girl,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 26th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
I prayed and thank god that my beloved pandas are okay during all these fires as well as all the other animals as well as staff and vistors. God bless you all and all the hard work you all put in to keeping the anmials and zoo safe. My family will keep our hearts and prayers for you and look forward to visiting again soon. May god bless you all!
October 26th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Praying for rain and low winds for all of the creatures in the Zoo…and thanks to the dedicated staff and those who have soothed our fears. I will be there in 3 weeks to see your beautiful sanctuary. Stay safe! I certainly hope none of the Zoo staff have lost their homes in this tragedy.
Paula in TX
October 29th, 2007 at 7:03 am
Our local TV station did a piece on the fire at the WAP and it was scary to see the condor breeding pens burn and how much of the area was scorched. Then they showed some of the dedicated employees who worked so hard to make sure that the animals were ok.The keepers with masks on were with the elephants and guess who was in front of the gate, Kamile and Punga . You could see some of the smoke but it didn’t seem to bother these little cuties, they were as happy as could be. Thank you for all your dedication to the animals in this time of need.
November 5th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Barbara, thanks for sharing that the news report showed that Punga and Kamile were OK. I have been very concerned about how their young lungs were doing with all the smoke and ash around them. Even though they were safe in their irrigated fields, the air they were breathing was not the best for young animals to breathe.
November 9th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I’m glad SDZ is spared from the fires. That just proves that God is watching and that SDZ is sacred ground. I’m so happy to learn of the zoo’s new addition, the gorrilas. I hope to see them on gorrila cam someday.