Farewell, Our Silly, Sweet Boy
Posted at 9:41 am October 26, 2007 by Angie Fiore
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. For four years we have had the pleasure of caring for Mei Sheng, watching him grow from a tiny cub to the beautiful bear he is today. For me, Mei Sheng was the first bear to throw his back against the mesh for a much-anticipated back scratch, and from that moment on I was hooked. He continued to win my heart through his silly and sweet forays at the Giant Panda Research Station: wrestling with his favorite enrichment items, welcoming me each morning with bleats, anointing himself with the scents we spread around his exhibit.
And then there was the particular scent that was not supposed to be enrichment: the alcohol used for his blood draw training. On his first session of cleaning his arm with the alcohol, Mei Sheng took one whiff, removed his arm from the sleeve, and proceeded to have a great roll around the crate while rubbing the scent all over his body, paying particular attention to his head! Of course, he was supposed to be in a “serious” training session, but we all had a great laugh and gladly waited for him to finish.
Speaking of training, he is a superstar in this regard, and his trust in his trainers is amazing. From his blood draws to the hand injection with anesthesia for his recent pre-shipment exam, he was perfect; he willingly participated in all without so much as a flinch. This training has also paid off toward getting him comfortable in his travel crate for his upcoming departure. He spends up to an hour a day in his crate calmly eating bamboo while all sorts of noises, movements, and staff are all around him. He readily goes into this crate on a daily basis and hopefully it’s a happy place for him where he gets treats and lots of keeper attention.
The keepers have also made other preparations for his departure. We offer him bamboo bread daily, which is what he’ll eat in Wolong, and which he greatly enjoys. We have made a short video for his new keepers in Wolong; we’ve shown them a typical day in the life of Mei Sheng, from the daily weights we get in the mornings to the foods he eats to all of the behaviors that make up his training program. We are even sending a few of his favorite enrichment items with him. We hope all of these preparations will help Mei Sheng adjust easily to his trip and to his new home in China.
With only a few days left with our bear, this is a bittersweet time for us all at the Panda Station. We will miss Mei Sheng dearly but know he has a significant role to play in the survival of his species.
Farewell Mei Sheng, you are off to bigger adventures!
Angie Fiore is a keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
Note: Mei Sheng will be on exhibit through Saturday, October 27.
Watch a compilation video of Mei Sheng’s first four years…
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October 26th, 2007 at 9:48 am
I am sad that he has to leave the zoo.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Farewell, wonderful Mei Sheng! We have been blessed to see you grow and thrive and reach the day when you can return to Panda Home. Have a safe journey–our love goes with you on the trip and wherever you roam at Wolong.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:14 am
As I opened the SD Zoo panda cam and proceeded to the daily blog as I do each day, I did not expect to be hit with such a poignant read. Teary-eyed as I read on, memories of Mei Sheng, my very first view into the world of a baby panda, came to mind. Yes, he was my first and so he has a very, very special place in my heart. Such a sweet and gentle panda. Thank you, Angie, for speaking for all of us.
Mei Sheng may China love you as we have the past four years.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Again, Farewell Sweet Mei Sheng. Go to your homeland and make us all proud. It has truly been a pleasure to be able to watch you grow up and to become the bear that you have. I will miss you dearly, but know that it is a far,far better place that you now go………
October 26th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Thank you, Angie. I know everyone will miss Mei Sheng very much. He has been a joy to observe. Thank you to the zoo and especially the staff for raising and caring for such a wonderful bear. I know we all hope that Wolong will provide us with periodic updates on Mei Sheng’s life but even if they don’t he will always be in our hearts. We all wish Mei the best and hope that his life will continue to be happy and healthy.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Oh, I can’t imagine how heartbreaking it must be for all of you to see one of your beloved animals leaving. I know you have raised them often with this intention and hope for the best of outcomes and that he loves his new home and friends. This just chokes me up. I am a polar bear fan and found this website after Shakira passed on, but cannot imagine the PlungeCam without those three beloved bears. But it is just like with pets….to be a responsible owner, sometimes we have to make the hardest of choices. Be well, Mei Sheng, and happy life and prosperity and love to you!! May the new cub bring joy to those who cared for you. Such is the circle of life!
October 26th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Oh I will miss you, Mei Sheng. I remember the days of the long-awaited anticipation of your birth and I collected every photo, news-clipping, webpage I could find. Farewell sweet boy…
October 26th, 2007 at 11:20 am
yes it break my heart to see mei sheng leaving i have watch him from day one i will miss him very much i thought one day i would visit him and be able to see him but it never happen and now i know i never will get too for sure thanks for all your help of taken so good care of him i know he had to be so much enjoyment he was a little star please let us know from time to time how he doing i hope he will enjoy all those pandas
October 26th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Farewell, sweet Mei Sheng. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. Go back to the land of your ancestors, the land where your mother and father grew up, and father lots of wonderful baby pandas with your genes to carry on after you have left.
Hopefully, at some time in the future, we here in the US will be blessed to provide a home to one of your progeny, preferably a boy who will be as strong, entertaining and charming as you have been. You will be a favorite for all the lady pandas at Wolong.
SDZ, is there any possibility that you could provide a link where we pandaholics could view the video you have made for Mei Sheng’s new caregivers? I’m sure all of us would LOVE to see this. I hope this is arequet that you are able to consider and comply with.
Farewell, Sweet Mei Sheng — Live Long and Prosper!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Mei Sheng I will miss you a lot ,. Have a safe travel and hope that we will have soon a lot of news about you. You will be always in our hearts.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Yes, please keep us posted on Mei Shang’s travels to China. He is a gorgeous bear and I’m sure he will help bring many more wonderful Panda’s into this world. I saw him a couple weeks ago, and am happy to have pictures of his little face on my office wall. Will any of his keepers make the journey with him to China???
October 26th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Well, I thought I was doing just fine with Mei Sheng’s leaving–until I read this. My heart breaks with all of you keepers/researchers/pandaholics, and the tears are flowing. Our minds tell us he will love Wolong and its weather, its trees, and its lovely panda girls, but still the heartstrings take over. I am so glad you have made the video of his typical day to send with him. Perhaps that will help them treat him the way he is used to being loved.
Godspeed, beautiful smiling boy! Be happy!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Here come the tears again. I’ll have to finish reading this at home tonite. I love this bear, he’s such a special, funny, personality filled fellow and just SO much fun to watch. I’ve had the honor of visiting him 3 times now and I can’t imagine life at the zoo without him. I know the staff is going to miss him terribly…
Farewell my big fella—I hope life in Wolong is everything a panda wants in life and I know they will love you as much as we do here. I’m going to miss you so much…Thank you for giving me 4 years of smiles, laughter and warmth..I love you, Mei Sheng…
October 26th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Adieu sweet and beautiful Mei Sheng. I will miss you so very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you on your journey back to China. Godspeed on your trip. Lots of happy days await you in Wolong.
Bon Voyage!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
As any of us who have had to say goodbye to our children when they go off, whether to family, university or travel…we all KNOW the ache that arises in our hearts. My heart goes out to ALL those involved with Mei Sheng these past 4 years. I cannot imagine how hard this is for you. I pray that this change in his life is not the magnitude it is for you (us) left behind.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Mei Sheng always struck me as a practical joker. It’s in the expression on his face in the picture the zoo uses on his profile… it seems to be in just about everything he does. I’m going to miss that. I’m going to miss him a lot, despite that i’m just getting to know these wonderful bears through your webcams. I wish him luck and health in this new adventure. I will always think of the Zoo as his home, though, regardless of where pandas are actually from, because he was born and raised there in SD. I hope you will occasionally let us know how he’s doing.
Also, in the wake of the fires, I would also like to thank all of you there at the zoo for watching out for all the animals in your care, and my thoughts are with all of you.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Bye bye Mei Sheng. I saw your sister Hua Mei during my first and only trip so far to San Diego zoo in March 2003. Bai Yun and Gao Gao were off exhibit as the zoo hoped they’d produce a sibling and sure enough as I watched Panda Cam, you came along. I had hoped that China might let you stay longer with boys taking longer to mature as I am returning to San Diego on holiday in 2009 but instead I will have to make do with meeting your little sisters. It is a long way from Scotland to San Diego and even further to Wolong but the internet makes the world a smaller place.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Good Bye Mei Shing. You were the first cub I watched on Panda Cam. You are leaving me with a very heavy heart. I pray you are well cared for and have lots of room to move around in. Also, lots of trees!
October 26th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I’m so very torn about this. On the one hand, he’s such a delightful member of the Panda House family, how could anyone NOT miss him and be sad to see him go?
On the other hand, he’s going to such a wonderful place!!! If his Daddy’s talents are any indication, Mei Sheng is going to be a marvelous addition to the Wolong breeding program.
The SD Panda Staff has MUCH to be congratulated for; you’ve all done an incredible job with this sweet little bear.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Best wishes to you, Mei Sheng, for your travel and your future life in Wolong. I hope that you have learned a thing or two from your daddy Gao Gao and go on to make many baby pandas. You have been a joy to watch on pandacam. I have been fortunate enough to ” meet” you in person. You are a very handsome bear and sure to be a hit with the lady pandas. May you meet many new friends and have a long, happy, healthy life. I sincerely hope that we get updates on you so that we know what you are up to. I feel for the keepers and other zoo staff, as well as all your fans. It is difficult to say good-bye. =[
October 26th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Oh, I had tears in my eyes as soon as I saw the headline. The cutest thing I I think about is that in his picture he actually has a smile on his face! Regardless of the Giant Pandas we are fortunate to have and watch in the United States you never want to let one go. My thoughts are with all of you.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Some how we thought you’d fall through the cracks and no one would notice that you needed to go back to China. You’re much to big to hide…We knew this day was coming..They extended your stay untill you were 4yrs old. Here we are…whew…
How can we help not to cry and feel a little empty spot growing….Yor breed is so precious to us…but your home is in china…we will read about you and as I’m holding you in my heart I’m whispering…â€I will visit you in China…you and all the others in the not to far furture…I promise. I love you my special teddy bear. Hugs, kisses and lots of light and prayers for your journey home.â€Goodbue for now my sweet prince…I love you…………….
October 26th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Thank you Angie for this article. My tears were unable to stop as I read through this article.
Farewell, my sweet Mei Sheng Boy. You’re the 1st panda cub grew up in front my eyes through SD Zoo Panada Cam. I still have a picture of you next to my monitor @ work when I visited you @ the SD Zoo on June 2004.
Have a great trip and enjoy every moment in China. You are always in my mind.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Thank you so much panda-keepers, with your tender loving care, Mei Shang grew up to be a sweet delightful handsome bear.
I believe his behavior should be observe in Wolong, very unlikely based on what I have heard so far, but just in case if our dear SD boy is not happy, he should come home.
I can’t control my tears throughout.
Love and kisses to all pandas and their vets and keepers.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Well, the day has come – or nearly so.
It’s time for our beloved Mei Sheng to go.
It’s like a child off to college – or marriage – or work.
The empty nest syndrome takes over.
A mother’s love is always with you.
Be well and know you will not be forgotten.
Godspeed little bear – meet your destiny – your time is here.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Bye-bye Mei Sheng. Here’s hoping you meet lots of young panda ladies in China! Say hello to your big sister for all of us!
October 26th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
It is with a heavy heart that I wish Mei Sheng au revoir. I only had the opportunity to meet him once, but have watched him for a long time on panda cam. I hate to see him go, but I know that is part of the agreement. I wish him the very best over in China. Thank you to the San Diego staff for putting together a video of him. I hope they will take very good care of our boy.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Goodbye Mei Sheng! I was teary-eyed too…as I read this bittersweet poignant article. You were my first baby panda and you have a very, very special place in my heart. All the very best to you in China, dear sweet boy…I know you will be well loved there. Those lucky panda girls!
October 26th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
to our great smiling bear mei sheng, i wish you good health, many cubbies and much love from your new keepers. what an ambassador you will be.
farewell and godspeed sweet prince,
joan
painted post, n.y.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Farewell Mei Sheng we will all miss you~~
I have watched you via PandaCam from the time you were born and all your exciting escapades since that date.
I recall when you were a young panda cub and your keeper always had to collect and carry you from a small enclosure you shared with Bai Yun on C29.
This was later followed by precarious walks on branches which was the commencement of your climbing prowess.
Now you are a large handsome and loving boy destined for your homeland.
Have a safe journey with lots of ‘goodies’ enroute – say hi to Hua Mei because we all still miss her greatly.
Wolong will shortly be priviledged to see the most handsome panda in town ~
October 26th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Although I live on the other side of the county and have never had the chance to see you in person, the SDZ staff and Panda Cam have enabled me and thousands of others to feel that we know you well and to know you is to love you and that love goes with you to China. Your smile and antics and charming silliness will be missed but will remain sweet memories for all that love you. Have a safe and comfy trip and a wonderful healthy life enjoying all that China offers. We all hope to hear news of you from time to time. Thank you to the SDZ staff for your wonderful care of the pandas and for the careful preparation for Mei Sheng’s trip.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Farewell Mei Sheng. You were my first panda baby, too…and I will miss you terribly. I find it so hard to say goodbye to you…you have brought so much joy to me and to so many others. Even though we have known this day would come, it is difficult. Godspeed to you Mei Sheng, and many happy days ahead. You are much loved, big fellow.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
My hats off to the SDZ for the lifelong education they have presented to everyone while helping save the beautiful pandas. With all the care and passion from Shi Shi to cubbie #4- Wow! And the excitement and enthusiasm of each cub being born and grew before our eyes on Panda Cam. It’s heart wrenching to see Mei Sheng leave – as when Shi Shi and Hua Mei left to their motherland. Mei Sheng became a family member — seeing him being nursed to having a great time playing in those trees. He made me nervous from time to time climbing those trees. He is a character. His antics and ways made me happy. And oh, the celebrations of his birthdays! How I will miss this guy. I could just imagine how the Panda Staff are feeling, too. Hopefully, I’ll get to see Mei Sheng, Hua Mei and Shi Shi on my next visit to China – Wolong. Thank you Mei Sheng, have a safe journey.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Saying ” goodbye” is so hard, even though we knew that it would happen. Wolong is a lovely place for pandas and I hope you’ll enjoy living there in Pandaland, with all its trees, long grasses and cool, misty air. When it snows, you’ll be able to have fun rolling in it, the way you did on a ” snow day” at the zoo.
The keepers love the pandas in Wolong, as they do in San Diego, so I’m sure you’ll receive very good care as you continue to grow and become an adult. We all will look forward to when we find out that you have sired a cub, and many more after that. You are a delightful panda boy, soon to begin your part in creating panda history and extending the years we’ll have many pandas on Earth. Some of our friends will visit you and let us know how you are. Have a beary, beary good life!
October 26th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Farewell My Sweet Mei Sheng,
Thank you Angie for this beautiful story of our Special Boy. He too was my first Panda and he will be in my Heart Always! There was always something Special about him. I think that would be neet if we could buy a copy of Mei Sheng’s video or some other special video of him if we couldn’t have that one. Profits could go to Panda conservation. Mei Sheng gave me beautiful memories that I will never forget and a video would be so great to add to my pictures of him. Mei Sheng’s Fans, who never had a chance to see him would probably love to have a video of him just as everyone else would. The tears are falling, and my heart goes out to all of you who have to stand so brave the day he leaves. I sure hope we can get updates of Mei Sheng and someone let us know when he arrives safely. Special Thanks to all who took care of this wonderful Sweet Panda Boy. Mei Sheng, have a great trip, enjoy you new home and I send you hugs and kisses all the time.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Tears are flowing one more time! Mei Sheng is so special and I love him so much. Good luck and a long and happy life to you, dear little bear ! I hope I’ll get to visit you in Wolong one day…
October 26th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Dear Panda Keepers – Thanks for all the care & love you have given all the pandas-especially Mei Sheng as he heads back to his natural home. Such a sad but exciting time. Was glad to hear that Mei doesn’t seem stressed being in his training cage & know everyone on the long trip will take good care of him. So big fella, may you enjoy meeting new friends, keepers, trees to climb & lovely female pandas. And hope you daddy Gao mating genes.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Good bye my sweet little panda boy, I have watched you grow from the first moment we saw you on video to the first day you went on exhibit and I have been there for all of your birthdays and many times in between. It is with a heavy heart and a sad one that we all have to say good bye to you, you have entertained us all and I will miss you so much. You will now get to meet a new lady panda and have many babies. Bless you and stay safe, be happy and have lots of fun. I will miss you always, say hi to your big sister for me. I love you Mei Sheng have a good trip.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
I remember at his first birthday, he was so cute..so playful..since then I started paying attention to pandas
October 26th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Well done, everyone at the Giant Panda Research Station. It sounds like Mei Sheng is well prepared for his new life in China. It’s sad to see our American-born pandas leave, and I hope Mei Sheng enjoys his new life and makes lots of panda cubs.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
We’ll miss u my old friend. I never thought i’d cry over a panda… now i’ve done it twice.. the first time i got to go to SDZ and see you in person, and now that it’s time to say Goodbye.
All i can think of is the song ” Goodbye: from Audio Adrenaline. here’s the song on Youtube .. maybe somebody who knows how can make a slide show with Mei and this song..
You’ll be fine tomorrow
The sun will rise again
It’s never easy to say goodbye
You know I’ll always love you
You know I always will
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
My old friend (my old friend)
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
We’ve reached the end (we’ve reached the end)
I don’t cry for sorrow, I cry with joy
The memories we’ve made can’t be destroyed
You know I won’t forget you
You know I never could
And when I say I loved you
You know I meant for good
You know I’ll always love you
Goodbye
October 26th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
My hear goes out for all the staff at SD Zoo. It must be so hard to let such a precious animal go..back to his homeland. Yes, my eyes are also filled w/ tears as I am reading this. Angie..you and your fellow keepers have done an excellent job at the zoo. This is not an easy time but just think of all the happy joyful moments that Mei Sheng gave all of us. We are blessed with the opportunity to get to know and see this wonderful endearing panda. Yes..he is leaving us, but the memories will be here with us forever. For that, I am grateful that he is borned.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Thank you, Angie, for a very special and touching insight into Mei Sheng’s ” private” life. As I read your first paragraph earlier today, and lumps came into my throat, I thought of what a stressful and tiring week you have all had, and it will end with the bittersweet goodbyes to your favorite panda boy. He is a very special bear, and all the love and attention he has had have brought out the very best qualities in him. He inherited great genes, and those genes need to be passed on. I keep reminding my self of this as each tear wells up and starts to fall.
He has so much to share with the panda world, his genes, his demeanor, his looks, his silly antics, and his special trusting relationship with his keepers. This is a gift he and, all of you who have cared for him, are giving to his new ” family” of husbandry staff and keepers in Wolong. They in turn will reciprocate by continuing to provide him with attention and love and excellent care. He is after all very special and valuable to them too.
I am happy to hear that he likes bamboo bread since that seems to be a part of the staple diet of captive pandas in China. Presumably your counterparts from Wolong who came to accompany him on his journey brought it with them to help him adjust his diet before he goes.
None of us can truely be sad when such a magnificent animal is receiving the best possible care any animal in captivity could dream of having, and he is going to his ‘native home’ where he will have the best opportunity to be with other pandas his age and to be exposed to a bevy of females to breed with. He could not get any of that if he stayed in the US. To deprive him of that might make us happy he was staying, but would deny him a significant part of a natural life of a panda. It would be keeping him in an artificial world where he could not answer his instinctive calls to find a mate and breed with her.
Alas, we must all, with heavy heart, wish him Bon Voyage, and Happy and Prosperous life.
Hopefully each of you who know him best will in time have a chance to write similar fond remembrances, both as therapy for yourselves as you let him go, and to help each of us have a better insight into the lives of these wonderful animals in your care.
I just read an interesting article from Pandas International on various cubs born this year around the world from Wolong and Chengdu owned dams. Hua Mei and Bai Yun are both mentioned. I hope that by seeing how well Hua Mei is doing at Wolong it will help us keep our perspective as Mei Sheng takes flight in a couple of days for his journey to Wolong.
Two things are very striking about Hua Mei’s cub story, this year she tried to cuddle both twins in her arms but it was too much for her, and one of her first sons born in September 2004 is referred to as ” famous panda Tuan Tuan.” I think he must be the one who was chosen to go to Taiwan if the Taiwanese government ever allows him to come there.
” On July 16, 2007, the giant panda Hua Mei born in the US at the San Diego zoo gave birth to a pair of twins, which was the second birth of the giant pandas at the Wolong Research Center this year.
At 6:24 am the first cub was born. This experienced mother picked up her baby and hugged it in her arms, and licked it softly. Soon, the baby fell asleep. At 9:18 am Hua Mei gave birth to the second baby. Hua Mei tried to hug them both in her arms, but it was too difficult for her. The worker took her second baby to the nursery. The physical examination showed that the second baby a female is in good health, weighed 161grams.
Hua Mei was the first panda born abroad and then returned to Wolong. She was born in the San Diego Zoo, on August 21, 1999; and returned to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda on March 13, 2004. She gave birth to a pair of twin in September 1, 2004, one of which is the famous panda Tuan Tuan. On August 29, 2005, she gave birth to a pair of twins again. She did not rut in 2006. At the end of February 2007, she rutted and then mated with the giant panda Lu Lu on March 9 and the giant panda Qing Qing, plus received one artificial insemination. In the beginning of July, she began to decrease food in take and on July 16, gave birth to her third pair of twins.
During the four years in China, Hua Mei has given birth to 3 pairs of twins, and brings us a great surprise, and witness the good cooperation between China and US.”
October 26th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Aurevoir Mei Sheng!
I hope you will enjoy your new home! I will miss you so much my dear and handsome little bear!! Good luck and I hope to see, maybe one day, your sons or daughters and your lovely ” lady” ! I hope also that the staff of San Diego Zoo will keep us updated with your new life and adventures in Wolong!!!
I have such a heavy heart too… Thanks to all the people who took so good care of you, I understand so well you sadness even if it’s full of hope at the same time. Have fun Mei!!!
Sophie from Montreal, your frenchie ” friend”
Big virtual hugs and kisses
October 26th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I read on the internet that 4 year old twin panda cubs born in Japan have been recently (or will soon be) sent to China (Chengdu). Knowing how hard it is for us to say goodbye to one panda, can you just imagine 2?
October 26th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Ditto, #9, request,
” SDZ, is there any possibility that you could provide a link where we pandaholics could view the video you have made for Mei Sheng’s new caregivers? I’m sure all of us would LOVE to see this. I hope this is arequet that you are able to consider and comply with.”
This would be a great educational opportunity, especially for aspiring young keepers to be, and possibly even a fund raiser for the SDZ and WAP. Are there any videos available on the life of Mei Sheng at SDZ? I have seen one on Hua Mei as the first cub born in USA, and there is one available about Tai Shan. But, I would like to get on on Mei Sheng as he was already a sub-adult bear by the time I discovered the Panda Cam.
His smile is contagious and goes along with the antics described about him and his rainy night escapades. I can picture him throwing his back against the fence for a back scratch.
As my tears flow, and I feel the sadness of him going on his journey, I am struck by the response we humans have, and yet his own mother by instinct and dictation of nature is not reacting to his leaving at all. To her, he left two and a half years ago, when he became an independent sub-adult panda. Why is it that we humans mourn animals and children growing into independent adults, while the animals take it in stride as a natural part of life?
Farewell, American Panda Prince, may you have many happy years in the tall trees, cool misty breezes, listening to the raging water in the river nearby. May the Wolong keepers quickly come to love you as your SDZ keeper family do, and may they provide you the support and encouragement your silly antics and wonderful personality have come to enjoy. You have a destiny awaiting you in your parent’s homeland, soon to be yours, and you have been raised and cared for to fulfil it. May your future cubs be blessed with all of your abundant goodness and thrive to help repopulate the native pandas in your new homeland.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Though we’ve enjoyed all our babied at SDZ, I like many of you had a special place in my heart for Mei Sheng. From the beginning he just brought such joy as he grew from that ball of fluff to the big boy he is now. I had many chances to travel down to SDZ to see Mei Sheng and each time it was so enjoyable as he cavorted or was the eating machine of the Panda world. I am grateful that he will become such an important part of the future of the Panda species because of his pedigree. Please keep us posted over the next years on how ” our” boy is doing. I now truly plan on volunteering at Wolong during the summer. Anything to see Mei Sheng again. Could you have the Chinese character necklace made again? What a great saying – Born in the USA – and a symbol of our favorite Panda.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
I, too, wish this little panda a great life back in China. It is my hope that his new keepers WILL care for him (and be as kind to him) as he has been cared for in San Diego. I hope the day comes when the United States can begin its own breeding program for Pandas and won’t have to return them to China! Surely there are places in the U.S. that mimick the environment in China. I do worry that the cubs are taken from their mothers far too soon in China.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Well, one more day to see Mei Sheng in person, then he leaves for China after that! I live in Florida, but was able to see him on the pandacam off and on when the cam was on him. He’s a great looking bear, and I’m sure that some of those lady pandas in China will really swoon over him! Will be praying for travelling mercies for Mei and the panda keepers that will be going with him for support. I’m glad that you all will be able to send him off now after all of the turmoil dealing with the fire situation. This is a good time of year for Mei to go to China as the weather is pretty favorable in California and China right now. If Mei was leaving later on in the year, the weather would not have been as good in both places. Wolong will be blessed to have Mei Sheng there so that he can be an important part of their panda survival program. He’s a special little guy! Mei Sheng, you be a good boy and behave yourself around those panda girls! Hope to hear that you will be a daddy very soon!
Luv to Mei Sheng,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 26th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Farewell Mei Sheng. I saw you today, and I hope you take care of yourself in Wolong. They will love you there, just like your trainers and everybody else love you here. Be safe and God speed.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Mei Sheng, I hate to see you go, as you are my favorite boy panda! I love your friendliness and your cuteness. You’ve always been a ham to say the least. It is truly going to be a loss for us here in the U.S., and China will gain a gem.
May the Lord richly bless you with health, happiness, prosperity (lots of great offsprings), and many tall trees to climb.
Farewell for now, sweet boy. I hope and pray that it will not be our last. I hope to see you again as God wills.
Next week will be very hard for all of us, indeed! Have a safe journey, you and all your keepers.
Thanks, Angie for giving us an update on Mei Sheng.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
Farewell smiling bear. Started watching pandas to relieve stress. Got hooked!!! Have fun replenishing the panda population.
October 27th, 2007 at 2:06 am
Even though I can’t travel to San Diego, I’ve fallen in love with these bears by watching them on the pandacam. *sniff* I will really miss our baby boy… Goodbye sweetie!
(Btw, Yun Yun at Zoo Atlanta also loves the alcohol ” perfume” – she rubs it all over her body too!)
October 27th, 2007 at 2:41 am
Mei Sheng, farewell, and may all your panda dreams come true in Wolong.
Even though I never met you in person, I must say that folks who have so generously shared their photos and experiences with you, well these things tell me you are one very special young man! I have an especially beloved pic of you as a wee little boy….sitting with your mama, mimicking her eating of bamboo, and you just so fuzzy-wuzzy-adorably-cute, watching Madame Bai with a true look of love and admiration for your incredible mama bear. You, dear sweet Sheng, will always be in my heart. I love you, and shall miss seeing you on pandacam. I just hope we can get some sort of updates from Wolong on your life and progress. I know so many young panda ladies will fall head over heels for you! Go forth, young man….multiply, prosper, be happy!
October 27th, 2007 at 3:38 am
good bye Mei Sheng, be safe and be happy, much love
October 27th, 2007 at 3:53 am
According to the news, the 4-year old Japan-born panda twin boys- Ryuhin and Shuhin have arrived Beijing today and will fly to Chengdu tomorrow. It can be eased from the pictures of their temporary home in the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center released that it is quite nice and neat. The Center said they had been ready for their return. Wish the two boys can adjust their new home and environment quickly.
I think we can feel more comfortable with Mei Sheng’s leaving for China if we could get more information about the preparation work from Wolong.
As a pandaholic, I deeply understand your sadden feeling upon Mei Sheng’s leaving though he will be nearer to me when he retruns.
October 27th, 2007 at 5:03 am
Oh Mei Sheng! This is the time we dread but yet hoped you’d grow to see. Even though I’ve never seen you or any of your family, I’ve followed all of your family on the Cam since your big sister Hua Mei’s birth. It was just as difficult to say ” Good Bye” to her too but every time I hear of her giving birth, it’s all worth it! You too, will be valueable in saving your kind. From everything that I’ve seen and read you are truly going to a WONDERFUL place and will get very good care.
To the staff – Thanks for all you’ve done for our animals. This has to be so much harder for you. My prayers go out to all of you this past week with all the tragedy going on out there.
Mei, my beloved boy – safe journey to you and your keeper. We will look forward to hearing the fantastic news that you will bring us in the coming years!!
October 27th, 2007 at 6:51 am
Bye Bye, Love…
October 27th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Wow….I didn’t think I would be so overcome with tears reading that Mei Sheng is departing for China soon….knowing that he is leaving to fulfill his destiny helps but it doesn’t stop the since of loss for the SDZ and panda watchers all over the US.
I now know what I’ll be feeling when Tai, Su lin and Mei Lan have to return to their homeland. : _(
Godspeed Mei Sheng…..sire lots of beautiful panda babies!
October 27th, 2007 at 8:24 am
To all the Panda caregivers, It is such an honor to have shared and continue to share part of your world. Times like this are really hard, but it is all part of the journey to help save these magnificant animals.
This site has brought so much joy to people and also an understanding of a part of life few of us get to experience. The Panda Cam has given me an insite into the life of the Panda that I never could have experienced otherwise. Thank you all for the wonderful job you are doing.
October 27th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Thank you for the very emotional but sweet update on Mei Sheng. I know your heart is heavy as is all the other writers regarding him leaving. I am in Atlanta so therefore, Mei Lan is my baby ;o) She is so sweet but now I have become attached to little Bright Star too..she is just precious. Wonderful watching them grow from day one. I know you will miss Mei Sheng but he is going home and has his sister there to watch over him. They both have very good genes so we will hopefully see his offsprings in the future
) Good Luck, Mei Sheng and may God be with you (and your keepers and pandaholics, too) 
))
October 27th, 2007 at 8:28 am
Have to admit, this is really hard to do….we are going to miss this boy and his smile and his happy-go-lucky ways. I have watched him come into this world, and now, sadly, will watch him go to the other side of it. I pray only good things will be in store for him. The Chinese are getting our Rock Star, and I am sure he will turn some ladies’ heads as he grows to maturity.
Stay well and happy, Me Sheng…how we will miss you!
October 27th, 2007 at 8:54 am
I started watching the bears around the time Su Lin was born so I did not see Mei Sheng when he was first born. But I am still so sad that he will no longer be at SDZ. My heart breaks for those who cared for him…it must be like a family member or best friend moving away.
So sorry for this.
Please, please keep us updated with how Mei Sheng is doing. Please let us know when he arrives in Wolong.
A long healthy peaceful prosperous life to you sweet fellow!!!!
October 27th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Bye Mei Sheng, be happy and healthy.
Take care yourself!
You will be forever in my heart and thoughts, Baby Boy!
I’ll see you in Wolong, soon.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Angie, thank you to you and all the other panda keepers for giving Mei Sheng such loving care. It’s very hard to say farewell, isn’t it? My heart is broken. I cannot imagine how you must feel.
Have a safe journey and wonderful life, Mei Sheng. You are missed.
October 27th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Wow I can’t beleive it’s the boy’s last day and that he will be off and arriving in China. Is it really 4 years. I’m all teary. I thought that I was ok until I read the post and the replies. I should have known; I was just the same when Shi Shi and Hua Mei left.
October 27th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Welcome home, Mei Sheng!
I was so moved by all of you and I really undersand your sadness!
But don’t be sad. I am sure Mei sheng will be fine in Wolong because we all love him!
Thanks for all your careness
October 27th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
I am so teary eyed right now after reading this. I will miss seeing you on Panda Cam, Mei Sheng, but I look forward to seeing you next October during my trip to China and the Giant Panda Research Center. Have a safe trip and enjoy your new home. I hope you have a wonderful life there. Goodbye, for now, sweet boy.
October 27th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
I was looking at all the articles on the fires and aftermath, and then came upon the ” Farewell” entry. I had to stand up and pretend to get my glasses because my eyes filled with tears. He is such a special bear, and I hope that Wolong will treasure him as much as I and all of us do. Happy travels Sheng, and go out into the world knowing how much you have helped your species, and also how much you have made the human species appreciate how really precious you are. Farewell indeed, Sheng, and God Bless.
October 27th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Good bye sweet Mei Sheng
Tomorrow is your last day at SDZ. Say goodbye to Su and all your keepers too.
Live long, work hard, and prosper
Goodbye Mei Sheng
Aideu, aideu, aideu
October 27th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Sweet Mei Sheng,
I hate goodbyes, so for now I will say … See ya!
I was in Wolong last September and I got to see your big Sis, Hua Mei, and for all I know the cubs that I wrestled/played with and ‘hugged’ (as they tried to ‘eat’ me … in my 42½ years of life I’ve never had SO MUCH fun!!) may have been her babies. Its absolutely beautiful where your new home is, you’re gonna love it! I loved it so much I keep telling people I’m going to run away and live with in the mountains of China with the pandas!!
The people that will take care of you are nice too.
I’m already planning a return to Wolong, either next year or spring of ‘08, so I’ll be able to check up on you guys. In the meantime, have a safe trip precious … You will be missed!!
See ya, Mei Sheng!!
Vanessa
P.S. Oh heavens, the tears won’t stop! I need a ‘Boo Bear Hug now!
October 27th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I said farewell to you, Mei Sheng, in person a few weeks ago when you were enjoying a nice snooze. Again my friend, I wish you all the best as you head to your new home. What adventures your future holds! I am sad to see you go, but please know that my life has been enriched over and over. May you have lifelong peace and prosperity.
October 27th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Farewell sweet, lovely young man! We’ve all enjoyed watching you grow to be the handsome sweetheart you are. Although we will all miss you terribly, it is your destiny to go to the home of your ancestors. Perhaps one day, one of your lovely offspring will be able to come to the U.S. Take care, Mei Sheng. We love you.
Thank you to all the staff at SDZ for taking such wonderful care of Mei Sheng, and for all the updates. I can only imagine how you are feeling right now.
October 27th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Mei Sheng is a delightful panda who will do us all proud as he goes to live in Wolong. I love his sweet, fun disposition, which he has really has shown in his meetings with Su Lin at the gate between their exhibits. I wish him safe travel, a long, healthy, happy life, and many offspring. I can’t believe how attached I have become to all these beautiful pandas!
Thank you, SDZ staff and keepers, you are so very special, truly a class all your own. Anyone with such compassion and caring for animals is a hero. Thank you, too, for having web cams for all of us to see these sweet animals. I feel like I learn so much through this.
To the Wolong staff, thank you for letting us have the privilege of having pandas in our country for a time, to see them and learn from them, and to learn about endangered species. Enjoy ” our” Mei Sheng! May he be a blessing to you all as much as he has been to us.
Kisses and hugs to Mei Sheng! Safe travel for you and those who will be traveling with you.
October 27th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Sweet, Sweet Mei Sheng! Godspeed to you as you journey away from San Diego, your birth home, and away from all of us who love you. I wanted so much to come and see you one last time on 10/27, but was unable to do that, and now the tears won’t stop. It just makes me so sad to think that you are going away and I won’t get to see you ever again. We were so fortunate to have had you here with us for over four years.
You were the size of a stick of butter when you were born, and we all watched as you grew up into a beautiful black and white bear right before our eyes, making us laugh with your cute little facial expressions and all your little bear-antics. What a special, special boy-bear you are! Your caregivers and others at the San Diego Zoo deserve so much credit. They, too, will be unconsolable when they must say a final goodbye to you very soon.
I trust the Chinese will realize just how special you are and will treat you superbly. May you have a safe trip and may God be with you as you go on to your next adventure in China. Many kisses and hugs go with you from all of us. You will be missed, Sweet Boy!
October 27th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
#47 Tony – your song ” Good-bye” says it all.
#67 Lee Chris – As our beloved Mei Sheng returns home it helps to know there are people like you to make sure he’s ok.
I just watched a great ” play” bout with Bai & Bright Star. It now takes 2 paws for Bai to position her cub where she wants her & if Bright Star is happy she squirms all over.
Know the next couple of days will be sad ones at the panda exhibit – but all have a done wonderful job.
October 27th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
I miss you already Mei Sheng. I hope that we get news about you once a month, and about your sisters Hua Mei.
And lots of pictures too about your love life, new girl friends and sons and daughters.
Please keep us posted.
Love always from your panda fans.
October 27th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Lee Chris #67, Anne C. #68 & LA’BooBearHugger #71:
Please, kindly don’t forget to up-date us on our dearly loved Mei Sheng, Hua Mei and Shi Shi. It would be so wonderful to get first hand news from China.
Once again, God Bless Mei Sheng. Thank you.
Rose N.
October 27th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
My sweet boy, may your journey to your new home be safe and sound. God bless you always, you and your kin folk! The tears are going to be around for a while…..
It’s just hard to say good-bye, Mei Sheng!!!! I’ve got a plush panda named after you because he looks a lot like you! At least he’ll be by my side!!!!!
October 27th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Hello,
My eyes teared as I read your post today. I can only say that you are all wonderful people who care for the animals at San Diego Zoo and my heart goes out to your for your sadness.
Sandie
October 27th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
I’ve watched you since you were born, Mei Sheng, and my husband and I got to visit you three times. The first time you stayed up high in the tree for most of the day but you eventually came down. You were so cute! We saw you close up the next two visits, and you had grown into a beautiful panda. I knew this day was coming, but it is still so sad. I hope your trip to China isn’t too scary, and I hope you like it in China.
We will all miss you so much.
October 27th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Thank you to all the SDZ staff for sharing Mei Sheng with us these last four years. I dd get to see him in person last year and those memories and pictures will always remind me how sweet and beautful he is. I hope you have a safe journey Me Sheng and enjoy your new home.
October 28th, 2007 at 12:27 am
I can only echo everyone’s warm sentiments about the little guy. Mei Sheng was born at the same time my cat, Tammy died and I know he helped me make it through the sad times as I watched him growing up on Panda Cam. When I finally saw him in person, I thought he was a real ” pistol” up in those trees. We’ll miss our sweet bear… but I think he’s going to miss us, too. After all, ” Happy (pandas) come from California.”
October 28th, 2007 at 2:03 am
So long my sweet baby boy, Mei Sheng. You have brought sunshine to all of our lives! I will miss you with all my heart. This is just the beginning of another incredible journey!
October 28th, 2007 at 2:11 am
just checking… yup.. still here..
gonna miss u old boy…
October 28th, 2007 at 3:16 am
Good luck my sweet boy Mei Sheng.
Yumiko From Japan.
October 28th, 2007 at 8:09 am
Yesterday I saw Mei Sheng and (was it?) Su Lin on opposite sides of a mesh fence opening. They were frolicking and playing …. it was soooooo precious. Only wish that they had had an opportunity to play together before Sheng left. I hope Su Lin gets to play with her baby sister one day!
October 28th, 2007 at 8:37 am
I am crying as I write this, and will miss Mei so much. On his first birthday, I baked a stand-up panda cake that no one in our office would cut, because they didn’t want to ruin it! I had to cut the first piece. As much as I will miss Mei Sheng, it seems to me that SDZ has become indifferent with Bai’s newest cub, as if a panda cub has become old hat. As of now, there is no video of her latest exam, and only one picture. Updates on panda blogs are few and far between. Atlanta Zoo has many more cub updates and pics on Mei Lan. (:
October 28th, 2007 at 8:43 am
All the heartwarming blogs and your sad up-date, Angie, did it… Right now I am sitting at my PC and cannot help it but shed a few tears. It must be so hard for all the staff and keepers at SDZ letting their big boy go after having cared for him for four years now. Thank you for having taken such good care of Mei Sheng and of course all the other panda bears. I am sure that Mei Sheng will make you proud in his native country. He will also be happy being surrounded by lots of panda ladies, being able to ” pick and choose” .
I had just the last glance of Mei Sheng on the web cam and he looks so happy munching his boo. I wish him and all who are going to accompany him to Wolong a pleasant and safe journey. Auf Wiedersehen, Mei Sheng, wherever it may be, most probably only on webcam or via reports, but I shall never forget your ” clowny” face!
October 28th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Thank you all for your kind words and for loving me all these years. I will miss you when I get to Wolong. Thank you to everyone who came to say goodbye to me. I will never forget any of you, and I promise to tell all my new panda friends about you. I will miss you but now is not the time for tears to be shed. Please don’t be so sad that I’m moving away. Wolong is a great place with lots of trees to climb and pandas to play with. I said goodbye to Su Lin yesterday. She told me to have a good time and that she’d take care of all the people that were sad.
Whenver you feel sad just watch my sisters or parents, Cousin Tai or Mei Lan and you’ll feel better. So please don’t cry.
Pamela G- Thanks for all the beautiful lullabies and poems you wrote
P Wong- Thanks for telling everyone about all my conversations.
Thank you to everyone else as well. Goodbye.
Love,
Mei Sheng
Ps Here are two sayings that I think are good to know for times such as these
” There are no endings, just the beginnings of something else.” (I’m starting a new life, that calls for joy not sorrow.)
” Often when a door closes, we spend so long looking at the closed door that we fail to notice when another door opens” (I’m not the first panda to leave nor the last don’t miss out on other opportunuties because of me)
October 28th, 2007 at 10:34 am
I went to the zoo yesterday to say goodbye to Sheng. He and Su played at the howdy gate for a long time which made the long trip well worth while. I think she will miss her brother as we all will… Bye Sheng!
October 28th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Bye, funny bear boy!
You will be missed but you will also remain in our hearts forever.
You are a beautiful animal.
Please Wolong, take as good a care of this one as you possibly can, because in 2 more years, you’ll be getting our Tai Shan.
SDZ, you have done a such wonderful work with these special creatures. I’m watching the new one as often as I can.
I’m so sorry, however, that you’re losing your best boy!
I too, hope for the day that the US can establish a panda reserve and hopefully create another homeland for these wonderful animals (I can dream, can’t I?)
Cyndi\Washington, DC
October 28th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
As I watched the pandacam yesterday Bai Yun and Mei Sheng seemed so sad. Bai knows that one of her children is leaving again and Mei knows that the time has come to say goodbye to his birthplace. I can only wish that he was given the chance to interact with his father once he was weaned from his mother. He and Su need this kind of interaction once they go back to their homeland. An hour a day for each of them and once a week as a family. Being born in captivity probably we can in a way change their solitary way of life little by little, step by step. Sometimes I pity Tai when he’s playing along and hope that Mei and Su where given the chance to know and play with each other. I can still watch Tai with all his devilish adventure and
I’m gonna miss him when the time comes. But I have something to remember him anytime the feeling comes around. I wish you could also provide us with a dvd of our beloved pandas from the time they were born and before their final goodbye.
October 28th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
#88 Ruth
The reason that the latest exam has no video or photos and few blogs at the moment is because all availble people were protecting the animals from the fires. I am sure that the keepers are hard at work looking after ” Bright Star” , her parents and her siblings and aren’t in any way complacent.
October 28th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I will miss your ever presnt smile and personality, Mei Sheng! I have loved seeing you on the webcam or in person when I come to CA twice a year. I hope you enjoy your new home very much- you will definitely enjoy climbing many trees and playing with many pandas. I know your Daddy Gao and Madame Bai are very proud of you and that you will represent your family well! It’s great you and Su Lin have been communicating for sometime we’ve all enjoyed watching you interact at the howdy gate. I love you sweet Mei Sheng. I wish you a safe journey and hope to see you in China one day.
October 28th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
#88 Rosie: the entry on October 25, Cooing Over the Cub, gives a good description of Bright Star’s last exam. On one of the responses to that entry, the Moderator apologetically explained that there is no video available of the last exam because the zoo had no staff available. Please bear in mind that, over the last few weeks, the days at the SD zoo and the Wild Animals Park have been much taken up with more critical priorities like the tragic firestorms that were definitely hard to ignore. On top of that, there are the preparations for and the actual send-off of our beloved panda prince, Mei Sheng. I understand several of the zoo staff were directly affected by the fires, and Mei Sheng’s departure can’t be a ‘picnic’ for the staff. Let’s cut them a little slack; besides, come Wednesday or Thursday, it will be exam time again and we’ll get more news about our precious ’star’. Incidentally, I was just watching her, all be herself in the den. She is getting wider by the day, and getting better at scooting around the den. There are great ‘panda watching days’ ahead for all of us pandaholics!!
October 28th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Well, I will miss the heck out of the little devil. I think it stinks that he has to leave. Why won’t China allow us to start our own breeding program in the U.S.? Then we won’t have to say goodbye to those we’ve come to adore.
October 28th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
just checking… yup.. still here..
October 28th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
CYNDI #92
I hope that one day your dream will come true. With all your love and dedication of the panda staff plus the availability of a good natural environment, I believe that pandas can also live happily and prosper in your country. I believe that pandas are the national treasure of all mankind.
October 28th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Mei Sheng, bon vogage. Hope that you will live happily in Wolong as you do in the SDZ.
October 28th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Bye Mei Sheng. I wish I had a chance to visit you before you leave. Good luck with the panda ladies.
I was just wondering if the keepers could take a nice ” family picture” of all the pandas at San Diego before Mei Sheng leaves. It would make a great Christmas present.
Also, it would be great if there was a nature special that follows Mei Sheng back to China and checks up on Hua Mei. I remember there was a special when Hua Mei was born and I think it is time for another one. Of course it should include Bai Yun, Su Lin,
Gao Gao and Bright Star too!
Bon Voyage Mei Sheng!
October 28th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
TonyMo , #41, what a perfect song for this occasion. Maybe they can put the music as background to the video we requested about Mei Sheng.
October 28th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I could control myself from not crying until I read the post Mei Sheng wrote. Even though I’ve just seen a few pictures of you, I know you are a very sweet bear. You will be missed, sweetie! Take care. Hugs and kisses for you. Have a safe journey.
October 28th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
I’ve enjoyed watching the Mei Sheng videos on You Tube the last few days. There’s one that shows him doing summersaults in his enclosure in response to his trainer. So cute! Somebody in Wolong is going to have one heck of a time with him.
October 28th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Bye Bye my sweet little bear,you were my first panda to watch so you are very special,I am so glad I had the opportunity to see you,you were always eating when I saw you ,what a noise you could make! lol Have a safe trip and if only you could understand how much you are loved….missing you already,bye cutie,love you lots.
October 28th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Dear Mei Sheng, I had watched the pandacam on 27 and 28 Oct, the days before you were off exhibit. So glad to see you meeting and playing with Su Lin at the howdy gate. Did you say goodbye to adorable Su Lin?
I was close to tears when I left a farewell message to Mei Sheng in the Giant Panda Fans Club blog created by Hong Kong giant panda lovers.
Goodbye, sweet Mei Sheng. I will miss you much. Hope to see you and your sister Hua Mei in Wolong soon.
With lots of love from Hong Kong ~
October 28th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
Mei Sheng,
How can we not cry for you? You were like family to us. What parent would not feel bad when their child leaves home? You will forever be my panda baby boy! Hugs and kisses to you kiddo! Take good care of yourself and say hello to Hua Mei and her kids for us! Really hope to see you again before I get old!
Love you always! It’s just so hard to say good-bye to any panda kid!
Please have your keepers send us updates on your progress, ok? We are waiting to hear from you sweety!
October 29th, 2007 at 6:31 am
Good bye my sweet boy, have a good journey to your new home, I will miss seeing you sweet smile and that silly grin. Show them just how special a bear you are, make us proud and maybe on day we will have one of your babies here. hugs and love.
October 29th, 2007 at 6:40 am
I would like to thank all the Keepers who brought up a sweet, sensitive and well adjusted bear. With all your love and patience look what you have accomplished. Like the song says ” simply the best, better than all the rest” and you are the best. You can be proud of what he has become. Thank You
October 29th, 2007 at 6:40 am
There’s an article in the People’s Daily Online about the twin pandas coming from Japan, with a picture of some of the celebrations for them. Also, there’s the following about Mei Sheng:
” A panda is returning from the US, too. A four-year-old male panda Mei Sheng, born in the San Diego Zoo, is returning home to get ” married” .
” Mei Sheng (literally meaning ” Born in the US” ) was born on August 19, 2003, the first to be born in the US without the help of artificial insemination, said Li Desheng, deputy director of China’s Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda Wolong Nature Reserve in Sichuan.
San Diego Zoo veterinarians conducted a thorough medical check-up on Mei Sheng and announced he was ready for his airplane trip, Li said.
Zoo experts said they had collected a lot of information on giant pandas’ growth and mother-cub relations, thanks to Mei Sheng and his mother Bai Yun.
Li said Mei Sheng’s return was part of the cooperation agreement on panda research between China and the US. The US has to return a panda cub born to parents loaned out to it before it becomes sexually mature.”
October 29th, 2007 at 6:50 am
Dear Mei Sheng, I know you’ve asked us not to cry but I am only human. My tear start rolling down again. My dear, just remember I’ll always love you. ..
October 29th, 2007 at 8:18 am
it’s getting hard to log on now. I know any time now they’re going to be putting up the word that he’s off to panda camp and that will be it. maybe if i never log off then in my world he’s still here.
oh hey. there’s a great shot of our boy on yesterday’s time lapse. watch for 8:37 AM and get ready to hit your screen capture button.
October 29th, 2007 at 8:19 am
Ok, I think I am able to DEAL with my profound sadness at Mr. Clown’s upcoming adventure now. I pray for travel mercies for my favorite panda guy. Is anyone old enough to remember that song, ” Up he goes, into the wild blue yonder…” ? I’ll be thinking of our ” Superman” as you load him on the plane.
I do wish Wolong’s camera could be a bit easier for us to access. There are so many pandas there, we probably won’t get too many glimpses of him. Attendants, could you please just paint a red ” S” on his bum, so we will know him and be able to watch his antics? Surely they won’t notice, and we would REALLY appreciate it.
We love you, Mei Sheng, and will be looking for your smiling face on the other side of the earth. xxoo Barb
October 29th, 2007 at 8:22 am
This blog is one of the most touching things I have ever read. The first time I read it, I sat at work and cried, and I have cried every time I have read it since then. I am so sad to see Mei Sheng go. Even when I look at his little picture on the ” Meet the Pandas” page, I get choked up. I pray he will have a safe and happy life and that his new keepers in China will treasure him as much as we all did here.
Oh my gosh….I just read ” Mei Sheng Says” (#90)….I could only read a little at a time because I kept crying. I can only imagine how hard it must be on the workers at the Zoo to let these sweet little things go.
By the way….I agree with some of the other people who posted…..why CAN’T we have our own panda program??
October 29th, 2007 at 8:28 am
Goodbye Mei Sheng, you will be missed! I hope your transition to Wolong will be an easy one. Your an adorable animal!
Will someone from the SD Zoo be accompanying Mei Sheng during his travel? And also staying in Wolong with Mei Sheng during his first few days?
October 29th, 2007 at 8:50 am
I was dreading this blog. I was expecting it but was…, oh no… here comes the tears….
October 29th, 2007 at 9:09 am
My boss has warned everybody to watch what they say around me for the next couple of days and don’t ask why I am crying. They all know but I guess I take it the hardest and believe me all it’s going to take is one wrong word. I agree with everyone, why can’t we have our own breeding facility or at least be able to keep a couple of the offspring. TonyMo I know what you mean, I dread when I log on and find that he’s left
October 29th, 2007 at 9:22 am
Where’s that helicopter i orderd in the other blog? we’re running out of time here.
I am goin nutz here. I been checkin in on him every day since day 1, and made special trips over to see him i dont even know how many times. I wish i could have gotten back over this weekend before he went off exhibit but the last time i was able to go over was last August for his birthday.
My son doesnt understand everything, he just knows that i’m leaving the computer on to watch the panda because he’s going away so he keeps sitting here and saying bye bye lil panda.
I’m one of the lucky ones who’s been able to watch him from the very first day he was born, but i know that the rest of you that have joined us in the last 4 years on this journey are just as much a part of us as anyone whos’ been here since day 1.. or longer..
we’re gonna miss u kiddo. Come back and see us some day.
October 29th, 2007 at 10:02 am
For all Mei Sheng fans, if you go to Shop Zoo (prints) there is a beautiful print of Mei Sheng. I don’t know how old he is in the picture, but it is just the sweetest thing in the world.
Moderator’s note: Thank you, Deb. Here’s the direct link: http://www.shopzoo.com/shopzoo.cgi?cmd=subcategories&query_cat=Panda+Shop&query_subcat=Prints
October 29th, 2007 at 10:02 am
I agree that it has become difficult to log on and read this blog. We all love Mei Sheng sooo much, it makes it difficult to say goodbye. The lump in the throat, the tears in the eyes – it has taken me days to even think about leaving a comment on this blog. We know this is best for Mei Sheng. After watching his interaction at the howdy gate yesterday, he seems like he is more social than solitary and I’m sure he will have more interaction at Wolong – especially with the lady pandas. We know this is best for propagation of the giant panda species. I’m sure Mei Sheng will contribute greatly to the gene pool and diversity of the breeding program at Wolong. We know this is best for Mei Sheng, it’s just so hard on all of us that have fallen in love with the antics of this sweet, silly bear. Godspeed Mei Sheng. May your trip be safe and your future be filled with happiness.
October 29th, 2007 at 10:33 am
I have enjoyed watching you and your antics over these past years, and hope that you have a wonderful new adventure ahead of you. You are a sweet, innocent creature and I wish you well. My tears are falling now, partly because of the loss, and partly because I am unsure what awaits you. I hope you continue to receive the same wonderful care that you received her. A good life to you, Mei Sheng!
October 29th, 2007 at 10:48 am
#90, ” Mei Sheng” , how beautiful and touching a message. It helps to comfort us. He will be excited when he gets to Wolong and sees all the openness, and tall trees, and pandas to ” play” with. He hasn’t seen that many pandas in his young life. Besides the attention he will be getting from his new keepers and friends will be incredible starting with the big welcoming ceremony.
If he is to arrive in Shanghai tomorrow night (10/30) he will leaving sometime today, although I suspect he has already begun his journey. May his flight be enjoyable and fun, and may his keepers enjoy the close up encounter they will share with him.
GOD bless sweet boy. May your ” marriage(s)” be great and your little panda boys and girls be as wonderful as you.
Sorry I missed seeing you live yesterday. I thought you were going to be off the camera too, and I dreaded logging on afraid that I would read that you had already left. I am thrilled that you had a chance to see your precious sister Su Lin before you left, and you had an enjoyable ” visit.” She may miss you too as Bright Star is too little for her to talk to or play with. However, hopefully the girls will get to visit in ” person” not just through the wire mesh. You and Su Lin proved that it is safe and a great enrichment activity for both bears.
October 29th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Wow, Post #90 says it all…. Indeed we are all saddened that this little boy can’t remain with his beloved keepers, but Wolong does seem to have a lot to offer him. Check out the Cam at Wolong, I did this morning and saw Panda’s playing and having a good time together. Indeed Mei will settle into his new home and flourish with the ladies!! I already have told my husband I’m off to China next year!!!
I’ll be checking for new posts hopefully we will know when he has left/arrived in China and can’t wait to hear how good he is doing.
Safe journey to you little bear…..
October 29th, 2007 at 11:10 am
#112, TonyMo, thanks for the tip about screen shots of the time-lapse. I didn’t realize you could do that. I got several great shots, even of Mei and Su at the Howdy Gate. It instantly picked up my spirits knowing I could look back at the photos anytime I want. I have been reviewing the time-lapse from the last two weeks to catch glimpses of them together. I wish I had known that print screen worked so I could have kept the 10/17 visit of the two siblings.
October 29th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Through my sadness at Mei Sheng leaving, I feel a certain pull toward reading that he has started his journey.
The suspense is killing me, since we can no longer see him ” live.” I know he has to be leaving within hours from now, if he has not already gone, and my inner desire for peace is tugging at me to know that the ” deed is done,” so we can bring some sense of closure to our grief. I will miss him terribly, but know that he is going to a great place.
Doing the print screen thing and having images to look at really does help the pain and sadness.
Now we must focus our attention and eyes on Su Lin, and little miss fluffy ball who is about to get a name in 11 days!!!
October 29th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Suzanne or Ellie, why were Mei Sheng’s front legs and chest shaved in so many places? Are they fresh or left over from his physical? I noticed in several poses on Panda Cam, and also the photos above that there are a lot of shaved places. I didn’t notice the ones on his front legs until this picture. Do you have to do some monitoring of his vital signs during the flights?
October 29th, 2007 at 11:30 am
I will always love you and miss your sweet face. Be happy and safe.
October 29th, 2007 at 11:41 am
When do we vote to officially make ” Bright Star” the name??
October 29th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Im glad my tip about the screen shot was able to help. I cant even guess how many shots i have of him from screen shots, post card shots and from being there and getting them live in person.
When i get back in a week maybe we can set up some kind of central sharing spot that we can all post and share our thoughts and pics of our lil guy and we can all remember him together.
I’m sure he’s prolly well on his way by now. .. sadness….
and yet joy for him because we know he’s going to an awesome place. they do NOTHING but care for pandas over there. it’s what they’ve dedicated their lives to. I know he’ll recieve the best care and have all kinds of reasons to make us proud of him in no time. He’ll always be our lil pooper, but lets be honest here.. he’s an anxious teen boy getting ready to be put out to stud.
If he could read our blogs he’d prolly give us one of his looks and say AWW COME ON! You know i’ll be ok,, im just gonna go across the way for a bit and get me a girlfriend or three or four.. and make me some babies. I’ll write and make sure you get pics…
I cant wait till the first pics of his first son come out. THEN we will have a reason to be proud.
October 29th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
TonyMo,
Love your #129 Post… How true, I’m sure his ” little ones” will be as gorgeous as he is…. We can’t hold him back now can we?? A place to share our photo’s and stories would be awesome. Mind you when I was in San Diego a couple weeks back, he was sleeping every time I went to the Exhibit. Thank Goodness his little sister was awake and roaming around.
Thanks for your uplifting post!!!
October 29th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
When the sadness gets you down, and your tears start flowing, check out Mei Lan and Lun Lun’s antics at Zoo Atlanta.
It will cheer you up, even have you laughing, and help to remind you of when Mei Sheng and Su Lin were only a year old and playing with Bai Yun. It seems like only yesterday, for Su Lin at least, but it was a 14 months ago already.
October 29th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
One thing I think is so very endearing is that when pandas go back ” home” to China, it seems they also refer to in the Chinese marriage as them getting ” married.”
Hua Mei was ” married” not long after she got there — and look at what a hot little panda babe she has become — three sets of twins and she’s not even ten years old yet!
October 29th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Like I said before, this totally stinks.
Ok, I gotta go cry some more.
October 29th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
#128, we must be patient, and give the SDZ panda folks a break. After all, they spent most of last week helping their WAP colleagues save the WAP. This week they are going through the sad process of saying Goodbye to Mei Sheng and getting him safely and stress-free on his long journey. When both of those events are behind them, they can concentrate on reviewing and refining the list down to 4 or 5 names for the rest of us to choose from. Until then, sit back, relax, and watch baby girl wiggle herself all over the den, and play with her mom. It is truely a marvelous sight to behold.
October 29th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Is it true that our Pooper will be on exhibit for another week to allow people who were unable to visit last weekend because of the fires a chance to say goodbye?
October 29th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
On his fourth birthday, during the lunch-time cleaning, his keepers and zoo staff brought the second set of his birthday celebration items including another ice cake and a big box filled with goodies. Now, it was time for Mei Sheng to come back out on exhibit. Angie and his other keepers lined up behind the fence to take photos. Mei Sheng got so excited to see so many faces behind the fence. ” Are we training?” He went to see each one, all excited, only to be turned away each time. ” Go get the cake!” After realizing it wasn’t working, all the keepers ran out from the back and came to the exhibit area. I hope you got some good pics, Angie. It was a very special and a bitter sweet summer day. He looked so happy licking every drop of honey drizzled on his second cake.
And during those spring months when mom and dad were on exhibit, there were times Mei Sheng gathered more crowd outside of his OFF-exhibit yard than inside the exhibit area. I think Ellie had a write-up about one of those episodes here on the blog. He climbed up high close to the road everyone walking by could see him, and I think he was enjoying his ” company.”
There’s something about Mei Sheng that doesn’t quite interpret well over the Panda Cam. When he’s in action, it must be almost impossible to follow him on the cam. He goes left and right, back and forth, up and up and up and down. He likes to hang up side down when he’s all the way up in his favorite poplar tree. Visitors wonder what the strange sounds coming from the panda yard are whenever he climbs past the metal sleeves. His legendary fall from the tree … and being still asleep upon landing. He’d wait for Su Lin at the howdy gate even when she is more interested in eating. And once in awhile, I love watching his exam videos in the discovery center. He was such a cute cubbie.
I wish best of luck to Mei Sheng. So glad to have gotten to know you. You are such a sweet guy. Only regret is that I’m definitely going to miss your first REAL snow day. Now, that’s going to be a hoot. Well, until we meet again…
October 29th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Went to see our precious boy on Saturday and heard he was going to here out this week, so this morning I went to see him again. I was the only one there for a long time just watching and adoring him. Like always he was being so handsome and cute. He would actually look right at me as if saying I know you and I know why you are here; to say good-bye to me again and know that I love you. I was sad to have to leave knowing it might be the last time I saw him but I know he is going to have so much fun at Wolong and getting to meet a girl panda and have babies. I got some great pictures of him and video that I will cherish always. I am hoping to get there again this week and he will still be out. I never get tired of watching our pandas they are so special and I feel fortunate to live in San Diego and be able to see these amazing animals. I just wish we didn’t have to say good bye to the babies, it is my hope one day China will let us keep a male and female so we will have the pleasure of haivng them in our lives all the time. No matter what animals I go see at the zoo, I always see the Pandas I wouldn’t think of going to the zoo and not go see them. So Mei Sheng have a great trip, have fun and I wish you the best. Please let us know how Mei did on his trip and how he is doing in Wolong.
October 29th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Thank you Sayuri #136 – remembering all the wonderful times after reading how sad everyone is was just what I needed.
I really appreciate the Chinese sharing these wonderful animals with us so we can help in the fight to save the Giant Pandas for the world of the future. As hard as it is to have these beautiful creatures leave to return to China, I know Mei Sheng is going to do his part to help preserve his species.
Best wishes for a wonderful life in the land of your ancestors Mei Sheng!
October 29th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
It may help some to check out the great, funny videos of Mei Sheng on youtube.
October 29th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Finding myself quite distracted today knowing Mei will be in China in the next day. How are you, his companions, handling this departure? It must be so difficult. He has been our wonderful playful bear for four years. Thank you to the SDZ for allowing us to get to know this precious fellow…he is really something special…Wolong is very lucky! Bye, bye Mei Sheng you will be so missed.
October 29th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
#139 Maureen….THANK you!! I went to ” You Tube Mei Sheng” , right-clicked and downloaded the adorable climbing picture as my screensaver. His smiling face will greet me each time I come into the computer room.
October 29th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
I too went to visit Mei on Saturday and was told that he would be here another week. I believe we have a few more days to visit with him before he leaves.
October 29th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Cat Says#110: October 29th, 2007 at 6:40 am.There’s an article in the People’s Daily Online which says ” A panda is returning from the US, too. A four-year-old male panda Mei Sheng, born in the San Diego Zoo, is returning home to get ” marriedâ€.
I thought you might also be interested in this last report from the People’s Daily Online reported on October 15, 2007 that Mei Sheng is scheduled to arrive in Shanghai on the night of Oct. 30 and arrive at the Shuangliu Airport in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, at noon of Oct. 31. Mei Sheng is expected to arrive at the Wolong center in the afternoon of Oct. 31 . He will be quarantined for a month before it beginning his new life at Wolong Nature Reserve.
So, our sweet boy is homeward bound and I feel some postpartum depression as I look to the sky. Protect him, Ursa Major.
I will look for you, sweet boy, on the live Wolong cam where the youngsters play on log jungle gyms. I see 5 pandas right now playing and will look forward to trying to find our boy when he is let out to play with the youngsters his own age in a month. Although I cannot submit the url for this site if you Google the name of Sony Network Camera SNC-RZ30 you will get it. You must pass thru two security portals which are easy because each has the same Username and Password. Just enter the word: guest in each place then check: yes on the first and go on the second. Remember that they are about 11 hours difference in time so our night is their day. I see them outside right now and hope you will enjoy seeing them even if it takes a bit of patience to logon occasionally.
October 29th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
#135 and #137, did I read correctly that he might be here another week because of the fires???? If so, and you have a chance to go see him in person, please go and tell him Hello for me. After reading Sayuri, #136, I am ever more jealous of those of you who live close enough to visit him in person. I must rely on Panda Cam because I can’t afford to make the trip from VA.
I am excited that I got to see Mei Lan in person twice in August, and I will get to Tai Shan again on Saturday. It is so exciting to see him when he is sleeping near the glass wall, because he is literally 3-4 feet from his admirers with only a thick piece of glass between. He is such a ham too, and also loves his fans. I wish that Tai and Mei could meet some day, they would have a blast together. Unfortunately by the time Tai gets to Wolong, Mei will be ready to be a daddy and will be living a solitary life.
October 29th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Well, I fWell, I found that the directions I gave to the Wolong cam were not as clear as they might have been so I have done some further research for you all. If you go to Google and search for Panda Fan Club: Wolong Panda Cam you will get a page where there are links on the right side of the page and you can find lots of panda cams. The cams I love have really big screens and are called Wolong Cam 1 and Wolong Cam 2. They are of the same scene but one camera is in front and one behind.
Right now there are 8 panda youngsters playing on the log platform. They have been quite active as the weather turns cooler now. Such fun to watch and await Mei Sheng joining in their antics. I wish the SDZ would add these links to their official web site so we could more easily go to visit our bear family as they relocate to their homeland. It’s so comforting to be able to have a window to our bears as they start their new lives in Wolong. Also, when you see folks in the Panda enclosure and they are wearing hospital gowns its because they are tourists and mustn’t contaminate the bears. The keepers are usually in tan outfits and it’s such fun to see people in the same enclosure with the youngsters, taking pictures, getting hugs, real bear hugs!
October 29th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Cathy #143 – I too am enjoying the juvenile pandas this evening at Wolong.
The directions to the Sony Network Cameras were given to us by a lovely women named Jeanette. Anyone interested in locating this website, check out the Panda Blog ” Why the Tears” dtd 10/4/07 by Ellie. Then scroll down to #104 Jeanette. Jeanette will give all the pertinent info to follow to obtain the Wolong site.
Sometimes the site is very quiet, so; be patient. Sooner or later, about seven young pandas will show up. They interact with visitors and keepers. These pandas are a joy to watch.
P.S. Don’t forget, you must have Java loaded for the cam to work.
Good Luck – it’s lots of fun when all the pandas are playing ” panda games”
October 30th, 2007 at 2:10 am
Mei Sheng, I can’t begin to tell you how much I have already missed you. I have your cubby picture hanging on my living room wall along with your older sister Hua Mei and your younger sister Sulin. You all are the joy of my life! At this particular time I do not wish to be in the shoes of your keepers. It must be even harder for them to say ” good bye†to you. Take care my boy, may God watch over you and I am sure the good people of China will give you a red carpet welcome home as they did to your sister Hua Mei. Wolong will never be like your birthplace but I am sure you will be in great care. You will be surrounded with lots of friends. The people of the U.S.A. will not forget the boy ” Born in the U.S.A.â€. No matter where you are, there is always a place in my heart for you! Have a safe journey my dear boy! Lots of Hugs, Kisses and Loves!
October 30th, 2007 at 6:25 am
By the time this blog is posted, Mei Sheng will most likely be heading to his new home in Wolong, China.
I share in the sadness of everyone who has wriiten in response to Angie’s touching message about this charming panda; how fortunate she is to have been so involved in his daily care, and also to have been witness to his antics…! He is quite the ham, and those of us who have only been able to see him via the Panda Cam, can only imagine the joy he brought to his keepers & staff at the SDZ these past four years.
To all of his caregivers, thank you for raising such a sweet bear; it’s hard to believe he is a wild animal, when you see him interacting with the people who have loved him from the day he was born. I cannot imagine how difficult his leaving all of you will be, but know we share not only in your sorrow that he will no longer physically be at the SDZ, but also in the satisfaction you must be feeling; you have done your jobs perfectly, and Mei Sheng will be a stellar addition to Wolong’s breeding program, and for this we are grateful to all of you.
October 30th, 2007 at 7:45 am
OK, I am now totally confused. All day yesterday, Monday, the camera was on the den, which indicates to me that Mei Sheng was being prepared and sent on his journey. However, since Su Lin was not shown at all yesterday, maybe something else is going on at the Panda Research Station that is occupying everyone’s attention? Then I read two blogs above from people who visited Mei Sheng on Saturday to say Goodbye, and were told at the zoo that he would be here another week. Is he or isn’t he staying her until next week?
I can’t believe that the ceremonies planned in China are sufficiently flexible to allow for that dramatic a change in his travel schedule. It is my understanding that there are so many transportation and diplomatic pieces of his arrival to be coordinated, that it is not likely for that big a change in dates. However, if he can’t get to the airport due to closed roads, etc., from the aftermath of the fires, then it makes sense.
Moderator’s note: All of us will miss Mei Sheng, but we know this is a move that is important for him and giant panda conservation efforts. For the safety of all animals under our care, as well as those staff members who are involved in their move, we do not provide such detailed information about any of our animals. We apologize for the inconvenience this causes, but please understand that we wish only to ensure a safe journey for Mei Sheng, as you do.
Thank you again for your support.
October 30th, 2007 at 8:13 am
8:10 am at SDZ and the Panda Cam is showing I presume Su Lin having a wonderful bamboo breakfast….have the camera numbers changed again?? Or is maybe Gao Gao out in the public area?? WHoever it is they are thoroughly enjoying themselves!!
I finally found the correct URL for the Wolong Panda Cam – thank you #143 for the” hints” ! Now I will be able to watch for our boy sometime after Thanksgiving! Can’t wait to see him with all the others at Wolong!!
God Bless Pandas and all the Pandaholics!! It’s wonderful to be a part of something so extraordinary and so utterly special!!
October 30th, 2007 at 8:16 am
I see our handsome Mei Sheng on C4- 8:20AM Pacific time!
YIPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEE!
October 30th, 2007 at 9:13 am
I was so sad this morning because Mei Sheng was supposed to be in his journey.
I was reading previous blogs about him ….but what a surprise, I just see him on C4 and C6.
I have read that his departure has been extended for for a week due to wildfires…That is true?
Now, 9:30 AM, Pacific Time, he is taking a nap!
October 30th, 2007 at 9:14 am
I tried to get to the Wolong panda cam as directed by #143 but when I put it in goggle I get documentation on that type of webcam, but no directions to wolong. Help please.
October 30th, 2007 at 9:28 am
I just went to Flickr and typed in ” Su Lin” and found 24 great photos in a set of Mei Sheng and Su Lin at the howdy gate on 10/27. There are others of Mei Sheng solo also! Thanks, Rita Petita for the flickr photos!
October 30th, 2007 at 11:24 am
It’s with huge, sad tears that I write this. Mei, you were my first panda bear – I’ve watched you since you were born and will miss you so much. I have pictures of you and your mama when you were just a little thing all over my cube here at work. I look at them every day and can’t believe how time has flown. I so wanted to visit you but I live across the country and getting to San Diego hasn’t been in the cards. Please be safe little one and enjoy your new home. We all love you.
October 30th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Goodbye little fellow,
I will miss you so much. It was such a joy watching you grow up. I always felt better after watching you and your mom. You always lifted my spirit. What a wonderful affect you had on all of us. I hope you like China and find lots of friends to play with, and I hope you make many more pandas to help keep the panda population thriving. Take care, little prince. With much affection, XXOO
October 30th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Hi all my friends, I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for making a donation to the wish list in my honor. All my animal friends are thankful and looking foward to getting their treats this halloween. So if you are around the zoo and hear all the noise wether it be a roar, snort or any unfamiliar sound you will know that they are celebrating YOU for thinking of me and if your on the computer and you listen carefully i’m sure you will hear it also. always your special bear.
October 30th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Ok, Moderator, we all know you want what is best for Mei Sheng so do we. Is he the one people are seeing on C4 and C6 this morning, or is it Su Lin? Due to the need for safety and security, I am shocked that people were told on-site at the zoo on Saturday that he would be here for another week due to the fires. So, I am not asking for specifics, just verification of what bear people are seeing on C4 and C6. He will leave on his journey when everything is best and safest for him to travel. We wish him Bon Voyage at that special time.
Moderator’s note: Yes, Mei Sheng is on C4 and C6 today.
October 30th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Well, here we’ve all cried & said our good-byes and recalled some wonderful stories, then I read that Mei Sheng is back on the panda cam – so we have to go through this all over again. I really hoped that today he’d be in China.
October 30th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Ditto, Maureen, #159. However, I also realize that conditions in SD are not optimum in the aftermath of the fire, so a delay is very understandable. Mei Sheng will go when it is safest for him to travel. If that is today, tomorrow, or the weekend, isn’t really important. His safety and security are critical. If his travel companions need more time to prepare to go, or he does, we want everyone involved to be as prepared as possible. He gets more practice in his crate this way, and we get a longer feast for our eyes and hearts. Let’s hope the Bamboo Bread doesn’t run out though while he is waiting to go. It is a long way to ship it from Wolong to SD. Or, maybe you are making it at SDZ for him???
Thank you, Moderator, #158, for verifying that our eyes are not deceiving us.
October 30th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Our big boy is eating his bamboo on C5 right now……so glad to see him ” live” on the cam again before his departure.
October 30th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Thanks so much for letting us spend more time with him on the Web Cam while he is still here. I know it breaks my heart to see him go and I cannot even begin to imagine what y’all must be feeling as his day of departure creeps nearer. I hope, somehow, that we will be able to see him down the road from Woolong, and that you too will be able to see him again and that he will always recognize you and the love you’ve shared with him.
October 30th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Jeri, hopefully we will be able to see his arrival ceremony at Wolong via international news. I am certain that it will be published in print, and maybe even TV, like it was for Hua Mei’s arrival. They are big news in China, and very big celebrities. After that, we may catch photos of him when people visit Wolong, or when his babies are born.
October 30th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
One thing is for certain, the pictures on Panda Cam of Mei Sheng today are worth every minute of wait. They are incredibly crisp and clear, and beautiful close-ups of a totally unstressed handsome Prince Panda. He is resting about as comfortably as any panda possibly could. His beautiful full body, and precious face are there for all to see. How much more handsome or beautiful could a panda possibly be?!
Farewell, our young friend, keep smiling for all the world to see, and to catch the young panda ladies’ eyes.
Thank you Meerkats and whomever is operating the Panda Cam today for an absolutely incredible view of this handsome silly panda.
October 30th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
What a wonderful treat to see the little guy on Panda Cam today. I too wondered if travel would have to wait a bit, but am sure glad we have another day with him.
Thankyou so much for allowing us to watch him again today. He is sound asleep right now, I’m sure having sweet dreams…
Travel safe!
October 30th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to visit longer with Mei!!! What a surprise to see him on the panda cam. Thank you also for doing your best to keep us updated—with everything else going on with the fires in So Cal you’ve done an admirable job. I’m going to try to locate the Wolong cameras and keep an eye on him as soon as we are able. Thanks to all of you for the info on locating panda cams and the info on Hua Mei. We truly are a pandaholic community!
October 30th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I hope we will receive updates on how you are doing in your new home……and how you are adjusting to so many big changes….
October 30th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
To the staff at Wolong, please take wonderful care of the beautiful Mei Sheng. I know you will. Thanks to everyone here in the U.S. and China for all they do to preserve these amazing beautiful bears.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
My family and I love pandas so much. We visited the Zoo summer of 06, and totally fell in love with them.Su Lin is our first baby, but we love Mei Sheng as well. Every chance we can get we go onto the panda cam to see who is on. Its been a real joy to watch Mei Sheng. This morning he was so funny and cute. About 9:30 this morning he was sleeping on his head near a big tree. I laughed so hard. This guy is surley a clown. I have been looking at Wolong, the place is incrediably beautiful. He will be much loved there as he was in SD. I just wished it wasn’t so far away. I have heard there is a place that visitors can visit and actually get to play and pet the pandas in China. I am considering taking my son to China in a few years just to pet and play with them. Take care friend, you are truly loved around the world.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
What an unexpected gift to see Mei Sheng today again on the Panda Cam. I was wondering too if my eyes were deceiving me and wishing that I was better at telling the difference between the bears.
I echo the comment about the camera work being wonderful today.
To the staff…I have thought of and prayed for you in this difficult time with the fires and saying ” goodbye” to our sweet boy. Thank you for the wonderful work you do and the joy you bring to so many people as a result of your labors.
Bless you all!
October 30th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Although I very seldom blog, I read the Panda blogs daily and check on the panda camera every morning at 4:00 am when I awaken. I have shed tears with all of you over our pandas.
I live in North County San Diego and I wanted to let you know about the fires from my prospective and give my thanks to WAP and the Zoo for all their work in saving the animals at the park. When I awoke on the morning of the fires my heart was in my throat as I heard WAP was in the path.
Our firefighters filled the parking lot of the park to hold off as much of the advancing fire as they could. The fire traveled so fast they decided it was better to shelter in place. The staff, even the gardeners with hoses moved in and started pouring water to preserve the animals, some animals where taken to the medical center only two animals were lost and some structure.
All the staff at the park and staff from the Zoo worked endlessly along with firefighters to save the park. Some of the staff lost their homes while attending the park fire.
We all still suffer from smoke and ash. Fires are still burning.
My heartfelt thanks to all those who, even when endangered themselves, gave all to save the animals. You were in my prayers constantly during this time.
And who can say enough about our police and firefighters. I can’t. I could not put into words how I feel about all of you.
AnnC
Oceanside
October 30th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Thank you all at the SDZ for this wonderful surprise today! What a total PLEASURE to get to watch Mei Sheng enjoying his bamboo and then his siesta(s) today!!! I wish him a safe and pleasant journey to his new home and new friends. ‘Mr. Gregarious’ will be adored by all!
To Mei Sheng’s special friends/caretakers/trainers/photographers I can only ‘hug’ with my heart. You are indeed loved.
To all Pandaholics, I can only say that your messages have allowed tears to flow over and over. What a wonder it is to read letters from all over the world written by kind souls who love not only the Pandas but all animals. I’m fairly certain if all of us could have a Panda in our home, we would jump at the opportunity!
Bless You All!
Sincerely,
Bobbie Wood
October 30th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
What a wonderful SURPRISE Today to see our beautiful MEI SHENG!!! I thought that was him on the other days but I thought I was just dreaming. Thank You Meerkats or whoever was on the cam today for giving us such beautiful pictures of Mei Sheng. I hope Mei and his Keepers and Associates who are traveling with him have a safe and wonderful trip. I worried this whole week about all the employees who stayed and helped care for all the beloved animals. All of you are heroes along with the Police and Firefighters and everyone else who helped. I turned my statue of St Francis of Assisi to face San Diego, since I live in IL. to watch over and see that the animals stay safe. People were able to leave in their cars but it was up to the staff who stayed behind to help all of the beautiful animals. I was very sorry to hear about the two animals we lost at WAP but so glad it didn’t get any worse. Also, sorry to hear about the employees who lost their homes. I hope all of their family is ok and glad to hear that the Zoo will be there to help if needed. You sure are one happy family and we all appreciate everything you do. Special Thanks to all you do. Mei Sheng, just like I said before. I love you and I’ll send you kisses and hugs always. See Ya, you Special Panda Boy.
Michelle C from IL.
October 30th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
#144 Margaret – How I envy you that you have seen Tia Shan. I’ve watched him since the day he was born. Once he learned how to walk he was ” a terror” , into & over everything he could find. Poor Mei Xiang had to the patience of a panda saint to put up with his antics (she’s probably thinking I hope I don’t have another cub, Tia was enough for me!!) The NZ panda area seems better for the panda cams (they have 2) which can also be enlarged as their area seems more open & not as dark as the SDZ which makes it hard to see the pandas at times. Plus the NZ had better daily updates on Tai & ZA on Lani- we knew when Mei first left the den & for how many minutes, etc. As this was their first cub after so many failed attempts they seemed to have the volunteers ready to help them. And when it comes time for Tia to return home to China my tears will fall. Each zoo panda cams has pluses & minuses but I thank them all for the opportunity to see grow before our eyes & appreciate the SDZ blogs – have learned a lot. We did get to see a glimpse of Su Lin high up in her tree – but Pappa Gao roamed around his exhibit which made my visit to SDZ worth it.
October 30th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Farewell, Mei Sheng, it is with a sad heart that we will be seeing you leave us. I remeber the first time I saw you on the Pandacam. You were so sweet and tiny. Then I was able to see you and your Mama in person. You were playing in the trees. If they had let me, I could have stayed their all day and watched you play and just sleep. You were just so adorable!! You will be missed!! May you go to Wolong and give them the same joy, you have givin all of us these last 4 years.
October 30th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
oh i cant belive i missed it. I had to fly to New Orleans today and totally missed all his time on cam. Thank god for time lapse.
Im gonna miss u old boy. Have fun and dont forget who’s panda you REALLY are…
damn where is that helicopter i ordered…
October 30th, 2007 at 10:16 pm
I guess no matter what the reason is for his extra time in SD, it’s still extra and precious time we have with him! For that I’m thankful and hope some of you would be able to see him one last time before he leaves. We love you, Mei Sheng! I am coming down to SDZ to see you soon! Can’t wait to see you again! What a Godsend!
October 31st, 2007 at 6:18 am
Mei Sheng,
I d’ont know if you will be on C4 and C6 today or when are scheduled your departure.
Yesteday when I saw a panda like you, with an arm shaved, I’m happy and sure … is Mei Sheng!!!!
I think it is a little bit strange I live so far in São Paulo, Brazil and I feel sad because you are leaving San Diego.
My favorite place to enjoy my vacations is in your country (USA).
I have been meeting Mei Xiang and Tian Tian for 3 times, Tai Shan, once and Gao Gao, Bay Yun and you , in april 2005 . It isn’t easy to go to China … I guess 30 hours by plane to Wolong!
I have seen you since you were a tiny and boisterous baby and I realized how wonderful is watching the relationship between mother and baby. How great care Bay Yun have been doing with you and your sisters.
I was anxious waiting for your healthy exam’s video.
I remember that you are bothered during the exam and you covered your eyes with boths paws. Cute!
Your 1st birthday… snow, ice cake… I have a picture you are whispering Bai Yun… Are you asking her about a lot os pandarazzis trying to see you?
The first day you were by yourself, I cried. You sniffed all the place looking for your mom and I guess you wanted nursing. Your mom disappeared! Poor baby Boy…
In the beginning, your new life might be hard in China.
Your keepers who you trust all your life, w’ont to be there. New taste of boo, new language, another keepers, another place.
But Hua Mei and another boys, will help and you are very smart and sweet to get another friends quickly.
So, I know Wolong is the best place to live, but for another hand, we w’ont have updates, pictures about you, anymore.
I’ll try to find you in Wolong’s Web cam and the most beautiful Baby Boy who climbed in the top of the tree, might be you.
Thank you, Mei Sheng for ever happy moments, you gave me.
You will be in my hearts and thoughts forever as my favorite baby panda.
I hope smooth trip and a great welcome party. You deserves!
Hugs and kisses and I’ll visit you and your kids, one day!
October 31st, 2007 at 7:24 am
172, Bobbie Wood, AMEN!
October 31st, 2007 at 7:25 am
Mei Sheng,
I’ve watched you since you were born. My husband and I visited you in Feb. 2004. You were stiil a sweet little boy. I wanted to see you again before you leave San Diego, but I couldn’t. So sad.
I’ve loved you and I will miss you.
I hope you have a wonderful life in China, too.
Bon Voyage !
Good bye Mei Sheng.
October 31st, 2007 at 8:40 am
It’s 11:40am EST; I’m watching Mei Sheng eat his bamboo on the Panda Cam, which is such a bonus! We have all been thinking that he would be in China by now, so any additional glimpses of this precious, happy bear are just the best gift we can get during this transitional time at the zoo!
Of course, we pandaholics love watching our chubmuffin in her den, but since she will be here for many years, having the cameras on Mei Sheng right now is so very special and greatly appreciated!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for extending our viewing time with Mei Sheng; it means so much to each one of us!
October 31st, 2007 at 9:11 am
Bobbie #172 how right you are about about the tears and messages from all over, this is what helps us heal our hearts. From near or far you are all very special people who share a common bond, the love of these special bears and all animals.
October 31st, 2007 at 9:14 am
Mei Sheng is in our spotlight again, snoozing away….many thanks for showing him! (maybe they forgot to send plane?) Regarding the Wolong pandacam website, has anyone signed up as a ” VIP” user? Wonder if we can ” pick our panda” with that distinction, and also wonder if it costs money? I would love to be able to see both Hua Mei and Mei Sheng without having to pick them out of 450 other bears. I guess I am reconciled to his leaving, just want to see for myself that he is still smiling, playing and enjoying life as one among the bunch. Big hugs for the SDZ panda staff….I know this is hard to do and you are being very stoic and upbeat.
October 31st, 2007 at 9:35 am
Speaking of playing in trees, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian just had a 20+ minute wrestle in their favorite tree right in front of their audience at eye level. It is amazing how agile pandas are in a tree, how they drape their bodies around branches and get a secure footing and hold on. I saw Mei Lan doing somersaults this morning on her hammock and outside into Lun Lun. The cooler weather in the middle of the East Coast seems to be making the pandas much more active, especially outside. It is hard to tell which panda is which when Mei and Tian get going in a tree. The poor tree’s branches sway up and down from the combined weight of 400+ pounds of panda bodies. Finally as the first one got down one of the smaller lower branches gave way as the panda hit the ground. Then the other one did a somersault and eased its way out of the tree since the playtime in the tree was obviously over. They then follow each other around the exhibit until they decide to sit down and have a
bamboo ” picnic” lunch. Meanwhile Tai Shan listens and begs for ” Halloween treats” from the keepers at the mesh entrance to the indoor areas of the Panda station. I can just picture Mei Sheng and other pandas his age wrestling and practicing their fighting skills and how to win the ladies over. I wonder if young female pandas pay much attention to these play sessions like human girls would? Other animal species definitely are affected by how the males do in mock fights to see who is the strongest and most dominant.
It is a great diversion to watch these funny antics while pondering Mei Sheng’s future at Wolong. Hopefully they still put 4 year olds together to ” play” although probably not as much. I am curious to see how he does if they do, because he has never had ” in person” interaction with another adolescent panda. He has communicated with Su Lin and had some physical reaction to her at the Howdy Gate, but they have never been together in the same space to ” play.” The other pandas his age at Wolong will have grown up there, and have been ” playing” since they were separated from their mothers at 6 months of age.
It is hard to believe that cubette will be 3 months old on Saturday, and her 100th day is Nov. 9, next Friday. When is the Wolong ” graduation” ceremony for 2007? It is quite a sight to behold to see all those cubs getting their names. Which brings up a question. Cubette, Su Lin, Mei Sheng, Hua Mei, and Mei Lan were not walking when they were 100 days old, so they were not present for their naming ceremony. When they have the 100 day naming ceremony/graduation at Wolong for a current year’s cubs, aren’t they really different ages from 3-6 months? It seems from photos I have seen from Hua Mei’s second set of cubs ” graduation” that they were tiny, and barely walking. Do they put them back with the dam until they really reach 6 months, and just have them participate symbolically in the graduation?
October 31st, 2007 at 9:41 am
How great is it that Mei Sheng gets to enjoy all the halloween treats with all his friends and family at the zoo and that we are able to see his smiling face for what ever time we are allowed. Thank you to all for letting us enjoy these last moments.
Angie thank your for sharing all your special moments with us. I know that you will cherish them forever and you will smile everytime you think of Mei Sheng .
October 31st, 2007 at 10:04 am
Happy Halloween from Michigan!
I got a kick out of #184 Margaret’s musings regarding how the young female pandas might regard the young males. As my son went through middle school, I’d hear a lot of girls say things line ” Boys are so stupid…” It’s sort of fun to imagine what the ” panda girls” might be saying to each other when the ” boys” start acting goofy around them.
By the way, as Margaret also pointed out, next week will mark our new baby’s 100th day. Moderator, did the activities with the fires and evacuations have any effect on plans for the naming/voting process? If the public has a chance to vote, my guess is that our window of opportunity will be quite small. If we’re given the chance, everybody has to do their part to name this little darlin’.
Moderator’s note: Yes, our plans have been delayed but should resume soon. Thanks for your patience.
October 31st, 2007 at 10:38 am
To #183 Barb,
I signed up for the VIP user cam. I have not received any password yet so I am not sure if you can pick the panda you want to observe. Has anyone ever tried to sign up for the VIP user cam at Wolong? I also hope to be able to see Mei Sheng on the cam at Wolong.
October 31st, 2007 at 11:10 am
What endearing comments these are to read! How wonderful it is to be in the company of like-minded folks, people who love this panda (and the rest of them) like I do! It helps to know I’m not alone in the apprenhension of seeing him leave the SDZ. Thanks to every one of you who love him like you do, what a gratifying thing to see!
Big, huge hugs and kisses to Mei Sheng–I hope he realizes how much he’s loved!
October 31st, 2007 at 11:12 am
I am stumped. Can someone please direct me as to how to get the picture during the time lapse? Not very computer litterate am I!! If you can, thanks so much in advance. I am really enjoying these few extra days of seeing Sheng so relaxed, sleeping, and eating. Love to you my dear young man.
October 31st, 2007 at 11:40 am
Margaret: Thanks for sharing the information about his arrival ceremony with me. I know I and my friends here in Houston will be watching for it. We were fortunate to be able to come and see him again, along with his beautiful sister Su Lin, on the 22nd of September. I so wanted to see him again before he left. That was a day of some rain in San Diego and he was up to his usual tricks … playing up in the tree during the night when it was raining and had torn some branches off. It was obvious that he’d had a great time! I hope the people in Wolong realize what a treasure they are getting! We love him and will miss him ..
October 31st, 2007 at 11:40 am
I applaude everyone at the zoo for not only keeping up with your ” charges (animals)” at the zoo, but for unselfishly giving of your time and energy to help your colleagues at the WAP. When reading the fire updates I continuously come across references to zoo employees helping out to save the park. It is a long way away and you are already stretched by new births, transfers of animals to other facilities, holiday seasons coming up (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and December Festival of Lights), so your additional dedication is exemplary. I hope that the young people reading, visiting, and hearing about your efforts are motivated and inspired to a similar work ethic when they become part of the workforce. We are all in this (life) together, and the more think of pitching in to help others, the less strife and tension there will be in the world. Your dedication in all areas shows, and is obviously appreciated by your visitors (virtual and in person) as reflected in the many comments from all over the world about visits to the SDZ and WAP and the lasting impression it made on people. Although I have not been to either SDZ or WAP in over 20 years, I still remember my visits to both parks vividly and have many fond memories and pictures which a share often with others who also love both parks.
A name is for life, a ceremony is for a day. With your current list of priorities to deal with we can patiently wait until everything is ready. Cubette deserves a special day that can be dedicated to her without other ” issues” overhanging the celebration.
October 31st, 2007 at 12:57 pm
I am so very thankful I got the opportunity to see Mei Sheng and Su Lin in person this summer. It was a hot July day, and I have a wonderful photo of Mei Sheng sitting in his little pond, looking very smug! I hope the folks in China get as much joy from the little guy as we have!
October 31st, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Margaret #191 I beleive you have spoken for all of us. Your words are beautifully put, it is amazing to me how many people have responded to this crisis. This renews my faith in humanity.
October 31st, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Just am note to all my panda friends that don’t live in southern california….I have lived in a fire zone for over forty years…in fact our valley wasn’t on fire ,but malibu, santa clarita, santa barbara and a small fire in filmore created the heavest smoke and orange/red tinge that it blocked the sun and got dark around 2:00 pm…it was very difficult to breath….it was like lighting your fireplace and having the smoke back up on you….san diego and numerous, larger fires so I can just imagine what their air was like.
We need to be patient for the babys’ naming as there were alot of employess at the zoo and wild animal park that got mis placed from their homes, etc…as well as their dedication to these animals safety….trust me it must have been hectec, scarry,and sad for some….
Our little cublette is safe with her mom…and we do get to see her via the cam…
So every one is busy in one way or the other…everything is on hold. Meis’ farewell, cubletts naming not that they aren’t important…it’s just not the main focus right now…you just can’t imagine our california fires and this was the biggest ever…
I send my love and support to all the zoo and wild animal park employees, etc through this very trying time.
And my panda friends and i will be patient and understanding knowing that things will eventually straighten out. Our baby will have a name…mei will go to his homeland…meanwhile we watch her grow and learn to walk, it won’t be long she’ll be toddiling all over the place…..
October 31st, 2007 at 5:06 pm
I was able to go again today to see our little boy Mei Sheng. I was fortunate enough to be there when he was up and moving. Then up the tree he went until he heard his keepers getting Su Lin off exhibit so they could clean her area and put her lunch out. You should have seen how fast our little boy got out of the tree and moving around making noises wanting his food too. He put on a show that’s for sure, finally it was his turn and they had him go into a crate and fromout front you could see them using the clicker to get him to do things for a treat, I guess they were either checking him out, getting him used to the crate, not really sure what, but it was interesting to watch. Sadly I had to leave after that, but I did get to see our boy again, got move videos of him and pictures too. I can never get enough of our pandas. Oh and I actually got to see Su Lin on the ground and not up in her usual spot in the tree asleep, that was a treat today too.
October 31st, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Thank you, Angie, for your wonderful farewell tribute to Mei Sheng, ” our silly, sweet boy.” I can only imagine how bittersweet this moment is for all of you who care and love these special animals. I watch SDZ’s cam & read the blogs daily. As you know, we have our own two-year-old panda boy, Tai Shan, here in Washington DC. We were recently grateful to hear his stay with us has been extended another two years. Mei Sheng’s departure at hand is a gentle reminder to enjoy the time we have with Tai. Thanks to SDZ’s panda team for all of your devotion & hard work to saving this precious resource.
October 31st, 2007 at 5:44 pm
194, Tami, thanks for your thoughtful way of putting everything into perspective.
October 31st, 2007 at 5:51 pm
is that our boy.. still here on 4,5,&6?
Im still in NOLA and so only have my laptop with a small screen but that’s his big huge butt i see on there. Su isnt that big yet and mom’s still locked up with the baby and Gao’s butt is alot smaller than that so that’s our boy’s big butt on there. What’s he still doin there? Maybe there’s still time for that helicopter i ordered.
It’s almost like we’ve all got a lil family of our own here, im seeing so many of the same names over and over, mine included.. and i’m feelin it. Glad we can all be here for eachother.
as for you mei.. u ARE the most popular panda in the world. Just remember that.
Later all
TM
October 31st, 2007 at 6:59 pm
WOW I have only just found this part of the site and now I know I am not alone in feeling despair at the beautiful Mei Sheng soon to leave to go to China he is adorable. I wasn’t really the panda lover in our house but after seeing Mei Sheng I now love them. There’s just something about him, you just look at him and fall head over heels in love with him. So Mei Sheng you alone have converted me. Also your lovely baby sister.
So imagine my surprise when I went on panda cam today and there you were, I checked and re-checked to make sure the C4 really was you. I was over the moon to see you still on panda cam. I’m making the most of when your on panda cam. I shall miss your cheeky face and I hope we get to hear how you are when you are in China. Safe journey you beautiful boy i will miss you so much. I’m sending you a big hug and lots of kisses.
Mei Sheng fan in the UK
October 31st, 2007 at 7:03 pm
#171 Annc – Your comments about how close the fires were to the WAP sure were scary. As you said all the staff & police & fire fighters did an outstanding job (I heard that a lot of the firefighters are volunteers) that went way above their call of duty. I saw a clip on CNN where a family whose house had burned to the ground returned home & found the only things left were some family photos on the front lawn that were salvaged by volunteer firefighters.
Another adorable picture of Bright Star at her weekly exam today – guess she din’t like being awakened from her nap & was fussy. She had another big weight gain. Bai’s trying to hold her is getting harder. At the rate she’s gaining weight it will take some time to get those back legs strong enough to get her up & walking.
October 31st, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Loriann, Thanks for the compliments on my photos. I hope others will find their way there to see them.
I have been photographing the Pandas since Hua Mei was born, the photos are taken with lots of love which
is what makes them so special, not to mention that the Pandas are so darn cute, it is hard to take a bad photo of them.
October 31st, 2007 at 8:14 pm
I can’t miss this opportunity to say a final good-bye to our sweet silly handsome prince, Mei Sheng. I know you are going to meet your genetic destiny, taking Gao-Gao’s and Bai Yun’s genes to help re-populate your ancestral homeland. You, and all the cubs we’ve watched the past few years, have been a wonderful ambassador for your kind and for all endangered species. I dread the day I come to this site and find you have well and truly left us. You will always have a place in our hearts. No one’s hearts could be more anguished than those of your keepers who have watched over you and yes, loved you, all your young life – but the hearts of your fans also know anguish. My wish for you is that you find the same love there in China from your human keepers. And, hopefully, you will be able to interact with the other juvenile pandas there and have some fun. Farewell, beautiful boy.
November 1st, 2007 at 4:24 am
Glad to see the boy is still with us at the moment, but sorry for the SDZ staff because of the circumstances. I hope those who have lost their homes and posessions find suitable accommodation soon. Well done to all for saving the Wild Animal Park.
I had a thought and wondered if it was something that would be a possibility. As the ” lease” on both Bai Yun and Su Lin will be the next to expire would it be possible for Su Lin to stay and for Gao Gao and one of the other adult males in the USA to swap zoos as part of the breeding programme or will leases on the other pandas all be due to run out at about the same time?
November 1st, 2007 at 7:56 am
Farewell, Mei Sheng. I hope you find panda paradise in China.
November 1st, 2007 at 8:42 am
As I am watching Mei Sheng eat his bamboo this morning, I’m so thankful for the opportunity to see him once again. Although I realize that soon he will be fulfilling his destiny in Wolong, China, and that our time viewing him is dwindling, these additional days on the cam are precious to pandaholics all over the world.
Thank you, SDZ, for your kindness in permitting us these bonus days to cherish with our special bear; we will miss him so much!
November 1st, 2007 at 8:44 am
What the heck has Su Lin been up to? I haven’t seen or read about her in a while.
November 1st, 2007 at 8:57 am
My favorite Mei Sheng Panda Cam moment was on Mother’s Day. He was still with his mother and would climb and climb all over her. She would be so tired for a nap that she would wrap her arm around him to try and keep him still. Later in the afternoon they were in the tree and she tried to pull him down for a nap.
She pulled him close to her and you couldn’t see him for just a minute or two. Then in the next shot his head popped up as if he was peeking at the crowd. He continued to climb all over Momma. All boy!
Thank you all for letting us watch him grow. Logging in to view him every day was such a joy.
November 1st, 2007 at 9:57 am
The more I keep watching Mei Sheng, the more I want to say, ” Don’t let them have him.” He is an American bear. They can’t take him!
Just like the Whooping Cranes, we need to establish a second population, just in case
November 1st, 2007 at 9:58 am
I will miss Mei Sheng so much…I hope China realizes what a treasure they are getting. He is so cute!
November 1st, 2007 at 10:25 am
This latest exam is hilarious! Chubette is having a fit all the way back to the den, I was laughing so much! Thank you for posting the video.
November 1st, 2007 at 10:26 am
Every day that I put on the computer and see our beautiful boy is a blessing for me
November 1st, 2007 at 10:47 am
Mollie, #201- I was so thrilled to have accidentally stumbled onto those wonderful pics of The sweet Prince and Princess that you were able to take at the howdy gate.. I almost cried, but let out a squeal of joy instead! A million ” Thank yous” to you! Not seeing the Pandas is one thing I miss about not living in San Diego any longer. I get back there a couple of times a year for business, so the SDZ is always in the top 3 of ” fun things” after/during business. Flickr and search for Su Lin- the sibling photos are currently the 5th set down. THEY ARE AWESOME and are from 27th October. The Panda Zorros by IffyBear are certainly interesting too…
November 1st, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Mollie & Loriann……. Thankyou thankyou for the info on Flickr. I absolutly loved the pic’s of the ” kids” at the howdy gate!! Too tooo precious…. Just think what a womanizer Mei is going to be when he gets to Wolong. How I wish they were both awake and playing when I visited them a couple weeks ago. But to see them sound asleep way up the trees was a thrill of a lifetime for me.
I watched the little bundle of fluff having an exam today, how sweet she is also. To see her keepers hold her and caress her is wonderful, your love for the Panda’s is so evident. The animals as well as all of us are lucky to have you all. You all should be so proud of the work you do, the dedication and committment. As we sit at our computers and watch the little Darlin’s, you all are there hands on, I am so thankful to you.
November 1st, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Thank you so much, Mollie and Loriann, for the Flickr tip! In case you missed it, there is an absolutely amazing close-up of Mei Sheng by kjdrill, just posted yesterday. His photos are terrific and he is clearly a fellow pandaholic.
It’s been wonderful having so much cam time with Mei Sheng the last few days. He’s such a star, so handsome and all that personality, too!! I suspect he will be Wolong’s Most Eligible Bachelor for quite some time!
Is it just me, or did BaiBee go mobile today? At one point, I checked into the Panda Cam and the den was empty. Along came Bai Yun and started fluffing up the materials on the floor — wasn’t sure if she was looking for BaiBee or just doing some housekeeping. Then she exited the den again and came back carrying our darlin’ girl in her mouth. I wondered if she had crawled out of the den on her own.
Loved what TonyMo #198 said about us all being a bit of a family, I definitely feel an affinity with everyone here and am so glad we have one another to share with.
For Mei Sheng, an old Irish blessing:
May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
We will hold you in our hearts always, big guy!
November 1st, 2007 at 3:13 pm
It’s hard to type while crying, but I have to say it: Good-bye, our funny, beautiful, adorable, glorious bear! A safe journey to you and those who fly with you, and may happiness and love await you at journey’s end.
November 1st, 2007 at 4:22 pm
All of a sudden – I can’t stop thinking about the show ” The Bachelor” – and the new Chinese/Panda version – starring our resident hunk – and soon to be Chinese resident – Mei Sheng. Can’t you just see him, meeting all of his new lady admirers. Handing out stalks of bamboo to the select few – going on dates high up in the trees – meeting their families… too funny! I think out California Boy is going to be very popular – and I can’t wait to hear about all of his adventures, new lady love(s) and babies. Have a great time Mei, don’t forget us!
November 1st, 2007 at 4:44 pm
This is a bit off subject, but I am curious to know what happened to Gao Gao’s mother. It says he was born in 1992 and was found injured in March of 1993. Wouldn’t he have still been with his mother at that age? Do they think she was injured too?
November 1st, 2007 at 5:11 pm
*sob* The irish blessing from #214 has me crying….again.
Tonymo….you’re so right….we are a family…sharing our love for pandas and especially our ” American Panda” that is soon departing for his homeland.
I’ve loved catching Mei Sheng on the cam these last few days, it’s been such a blessing to have a few more precious days even though I know that we’ll be going through the same anguish this coming weekend. *sob*
November 1st, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Good bye little man. Have a safe journey and a wonderful life.
November 1st, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Since the moderator allows us to mention the photos in Flick. I highly recommend a very cute photo of Su Lin taken by Kjdrill, just search for the photo ” Voila, no more fruitsicle ” in Flick, you will see a happy and mischievous Baby Su Lin.
November 1st, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Rita Petita, Kjdrill and Nekomama,
Thank you all for sharing your wonderful Mei Sheng’s photos with us.
I know how much time we need to take a great picture.
Pandas eat quickly and sleeeeeeep… So, usually I have to wait…wait…and wait…
However, pandaholicks will keep Mei Sheng’s sweet face in our minds and hearts forever.
Dear Buddy, farewell and have a safe trip !
November 1st, 2007 at 7:26 pm
OMG! 7:30 Pacific–little Fluffy-butt worked and worked and worked and worked….and oopsie! Right outta the den and right outta the picture and on her way!
November 1st, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Yesterday I went to the Zoo, fully expecting that my visit was taking place at about the time Mei Sheng’s plane was touching down in Shanghai. But there he was, coolly chowing down his bamboo. In the other exhibit was Su Lin, high up in a tree that is very close to the visitor area. She was sleeping with her head facing toward us, her limbs encircling branches in a section of the tree that made for a bed. Visitors were really happy and amused to see her do clearly. The unnamed cub was also visible on the panda cam receiver in between the exhibits–so inspiring to see all three of Bai and Gao’s offspring on view at the same time.
It seems that shipping a panda is a complicated event, requiring coordination both in San Diego and in China, but also with airlines having adequate cargo space. Whatever the reason for the delay, Mei Sheng is sure to be on his way within a few more days.
I’m convinced there is something unusual about Mei Sheng that really gets to people–his gentleness, good looks, playfulness and mannerisms. Most remarkable is that he can communicate his essence via the Panda Cam to people far and wide, people who have not had the chance to see him in person. He has captivated so many hearts, and will be missed.
Several have asked why Mei Sheng can’t stay and be the start of a US-based breeding program. Maybe it is helpful to think that such an occurrence would dry up the need for loans of pandas from China, and therefore an end to the funding that is so desperately needed to protect pandas in their native habitat. Pandas will probably never be as plentiful in zoos as gorillas or elephants or any number of other charismatic types. Like everyone else, I love seeing them first hand, but I also think it would be catastrophic if doing so contributed to losing the battle to save them in their natural homeland.
November 1st, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Hi, panda lovers! I just got on the pandacam at around 10:30pm EDT tonite, and I got a huge surprise! Bai Yun’s baby girl has FINALLY figured out how those 4 legs and feet work, and I just saw her crawl OVER the little metal hump at the den doorway!! I did say about a month ago that once she got her eyes wide open and she figured out what those legs and feet were for, look out—she’ll start moving! Guess what?? She’s moving now at a crawl!! I sure do hope that the pandacam people will be able to keep up with this cub because she might be giving her mom a run for her bamboo before too much longer! I was so proud of her when she got over that hump on her own! I also read the news about her vet check a couple of days ago. She’s finally getting her baby teeth coming in, and she was really squealing when she got her second vaccine. Like one of the vets said, she’s really letting them know how she feels about those vet checks now! Did you all get a video of this vet check? Her ears are looking like they are popping out a little bit more, which means to me that she’s hearing a lot more of her surroundings. She’s probably gotten to know Bai’s voice by now. Does she have anymore surprises for us?? I do think so!! Stay tuned and keep watching the pandacam! I want to give my travelling blessings to Mei Sheng as he gets ready to go to China. Haven’t read anything about him leaving San Diego yet, but hope to have something from one of the panda keepers real soon. I’m also waiting on you all to get the names on the website for all of us to vote on for Bai’s baby girl. Let us know when you get the list up so that we can do our part in choosing this cub’s name! I’ve been keeping up on your fire situation around San Diego County over the last week. From what I’ve read on a couple of good websites, practically all of the fires, except the Poomacha fire, are all 100% contained! That’s great news, and they are saying that the Poomacha fire should be totally contained by 11/3. But, you all have that red flag warning up again with those Santa Anas coming back this weekend. I just hope and pray that these winds DO NOT kick some of these fires up again because none of them are totally out yet. So, please be careful, stay safe, and keep your fire watch going so that both the zoo and park remain safe and protected.
Give Mei Sheng a big huge hug from me (if he hasn’t left yet!), will keep checking the website for the name voting, and will keep watching the pandacam to watch little baby girl show off her newest accomplishment!
Love to Bai and baby girl, and Mei Sheng,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 1st, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Hi again! Forgot to mention that Sun., Nov. 4, is the end of daylight savings time for this year. YEA!!! Back to normal time for a few months! Have to set our clocks BACK an hour. I’m sure that the animals and people will be glad about that because we will all gain an hour early Sunday morning! Just checked the pandacam again at 11:15 pm, and Bai’s baby girl is still out of the den! Don’t know when she’ll be back in the den, so will just keep checking the pandacam starting tomorrow morning. Gonna go to bed!
Love to Bai and baby girl (can’t wait for her to have her own NAME!!!),
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 1st, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Thanks for posting the pictures of Mei & Su Lin at the Howdy Gate on Flickr it seemed like there was much interest – too bad they couldn’t get together- there is also a great video of Mei Sheng & a training session on youtube. Our little Bright Star is doing a better job of squirming all over – but the back legs are still not cooperating. I went back & checked on Tai Shan at week 11 – the update was he weighed 9.8 lbs. and after taking one step fell on his face & after that huge effort went back to sleep. So I would expect Bright Star to try walking sometime in the next few days – even though she seems to have a heavy belly & bottom she should start getting a lankier body- supposedly she should grow more in length so her weight is more evenly distubuted so her back legs can lift her weight. I can remember watching Tia trying so hard to walk – going, ” come on kid, you can do it” & cheering those first few toddling steps that seemed to frustrate mom, who went- ” Oh, no, here we go, my cub is now on the go & my peace & quiet is gone for months” It seems like we are so anxious for the cubs to walk & climb & all that means that the time for them return to China comes sooner.
November 2nd, 2007 at 5:51 am
Carol #214 Thank you for the beautiful words, I know the time is near and the tears still flow, who would have thought a beautiful, silly, funny bear could have such an effect on people. Every time a animal is in danger of extinction or is murdered I believe we all die a little bit.
November 2nd, 2007 at 7:44 am
Goodbye Mei Sheng, have a safe and pleasant journey and a wonderful life in your misty mountain ” homeland.”
I look forward to seeing photos of you and your new friends, and your encounters with ” the ladies.”
Maybe we will even catch a glimpse of you on the Wolong Panda Cam. Whooee! Can’t wait to see your ” Chinese” self.
We know that the keepers at Wolong love all their pandas, and take wonderful care of them, so they will welcome you too and give you great love and care. Say ” Hi!” to you big sis Hua Mei, from her ” family” back
” home” in sunny CA.
November 2nd, 2007 at 10:37 am
This message is to the Moderator.
I wanted to apologize, in reading the posts on here I have discovered that we shouldn’t put links on to other sites. The other night I had posted a link to a Chinese Newspaper showing pic’s of Panda’s. I wondered why my msg hadn’t been posted, and now I understand why. So, once again I apologize.
Thankyou, Darlene
Moderator’s note: Not a problem, Darlene! Thanks for your understanding.
November 2nd, 2007 at 10:49 am
I am so sad. I haven’t seen Mei Sheng at all today. They had been showing him on the cam for the last few days, but today there is no sign of our little guy.
Does this mean that he has left?
Moderator’s note: Mei Sheng may be off exhibit in preparation for his departure to China. We will post more information when details are available.
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:10 am
So long Big Guy – I only wish I had known you better. But I plan to come to San Diego to visit your relatives soon. I had no idea I would get so involved with pandas. You are the first that I am weeping over as you return home. Please send one of your cub’s back to us.
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:11 am
#230 Sara….I just got on website and there is his sweet bum, up a tree as usual and still with us. I have tried the Wolong camera for 3 different nights (time diff is not handy, lol), and got nothing but some bamboo trees and a cement ditch of some kind. Not one panda. Am I the only one who can’t see live pandas? I really want my Wolong cam to be working when Sheng gets there!! HELP?
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:14 am
Now the fun begins, our baby girl is on the move and there’s no stopping here now.She finally figured to get the legs working. LOOK OUT BAI HERE SHE COMES.
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:47 am
I found a song very fitting for Mei Sheng’s departure. Josh Groban’s ” Febuary Song” Words are just too touching for his leaving us. A few of the lyrics…..
” And I never want to let you down
Forgive me if I slip away
When all that I’ve known is lost and found
I promise you I, I’ll come back to you one day”
Maybe someday USA will have one of his cubs
Denny
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Thank you so much for having Mei Sheng on the camera this afternoon. The close up shots of him are wonderful! Seeing his cute little face has made my day!
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:26 pm
To all please watch the video Mei Sheng called compliation. it recalls all they have learned from him, it shows his birth and exams, I got to emotional and had to stop. It is just amazing
Moderator’s note: Mei Sheng compilation video is at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/videos/index.html
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:40 pm
There is now a short video of Mei Sheng’s first 4 years at the SDZ on the video portal page. Thank you for posting this video of our gorgeous boy. I’m glad he is still on the cam this morning. Thank you to all the dedicated staff at the Panda Research Station for everything you do.
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Yahoo! There is a compilation of Mei Sheng’s first 4 years for us to view over and over and relive our fond memories.
A ” week” since last Saturday is up, and our boy has a journey to make. So, it is understandable that he is in final preparations for his departure. May he have a sweet journey.
If any panda bloggers have visited him in the past couple of days, please fill us in on his last days’ activities in SD. Thanks to #195 Peggy, and #223 Don for sharing there last visits with him with us.
Since the compilation of his life in SD has been posted, my guess is that he is very soon going to be on his way, if he is not already.
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Thank you for posting the compilation video of Mei Sheng!! It was wonderful. We’re all very lucky to get to share in the lives of these wonderful bears.
November 2nd, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Help #235 says Mei Sheng was on camera today, but the time-lapse doesn’t seem to be working right. It shows about 2 minutes and then stops.
Great close-up shots of Su Lin munching on her lunch. Many thanks Meerkats! You guys are incredibly busy today.
November 2nd, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Thanks so much for the compilation video. I had lots of ” Awww…” moments. We’re sure going to miss you, big guy!
November 2nd, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Thank you for posting the Mei Sheng Compilation video. It’s wonderful. I will watch it over and over. Our clown, our acrobat, our most handsome panda, there isn’t any other like Mei Sheng.
November 2nd, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Thank you for taking the time, with all you have to do, to create the compilation video of Mei Sheng. It’s wonderful to see all at once how he has grown into the adorable, sweet, and precious bear he is today.
Again, we can’t thank SDZ enough for the care and love you’ve given to all the pandas and the joys you’ve given to all the pandalovers through the cam, the blog, and videos.
November 2nd, 2007 at 3:38 pm
I was so happy to see Mei Sheng again today – fantastic camera work, Meerkats! Thank you so very, very much for the compilation video. I think I speak for all pandaholics in saying that we are grateful for any picture, video, izoofari chat, blog – anything you can give us – thank you. We know your primary job is the health and welfare of the pandas, and I am very appreciative of all the ‘extras” you do for us.
November 2nd, 2007 at 4:01 pm
I was there again today and I am thankful I got to see him again & it will probably be my last I was told tomorrow is suppose to be his last day on exhibit, unfortunatly I will more than likely not be there tomorrow.
When I got there he was off exhibit because they were bringing out his lunch. While he was out we got to see Su Lin on the ground being cute of course. Finally Mei Sheng got to come back in, a keeper feed him some treats through the back fence then he got to eat his beloved bamboo. He was so cute eating and pulling apart the huge bamboo, once he was done he went to sleep. That is when I had to leave with reluctance but I knew he would sleep for a while and it was time I headed home with sadness in my heart.
I also just watched the compilation video of Mei Sheng it brought back so many fond memories of Mei Sheng and the tears came too, but in the end he is very important for the Panda survival and this is the whole purpose of breeding the pandas, that they are here and finally sending our precious babies to China so they may have babies and keep the pandas from dying out. If you think about it this is a miricle and a preciouse gift to have any pandas here, we are the lucky ones here in San Diego that we get to see these treasures while they are here.
I wish him well again, that he has a safe trip and when he gets there has a blast with meeting his lady friends & continue being the clown you are, you have entertain all of us for hours. Thank you to all of the keepers at the zoo for keeping us informed and for the videos, I hope all of you along with all of us get through this again & I know we will and look forward to seeing our newest panda baby girl. Can’t wait to see her on exhibit, get to know her and see her personality come out. Of course there is no other like our Mei Sheng our little panda baby boy. Please let us know how he does on his trip and keep up informed after he is at Wolong, I know it isn’t always easy to get any information from them but it will be nice to know how he is.
November 2nd, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Since chubmuffin is cavorting who knows where, and is out of camera view, I decided to watch the video compilation of Mei Sheng’s first four years; it is delightful to see him from a tiny infant to the fun loving, adorable bear he is today, playing with his green ‘toy’ in the trees…what a character…!
Thank you so much to those who have made this video possible; with all you have to do in preparing not only yourselves, but Mei Sheng for his departure, which may have already taken place, we are so grateful and blessed that the SDZ really cares about its pandaholic bloggers! We are as sad as you to lose this sweet bear, but his addition to the panda gene pool will be for the survival of his species, and we have to let him go back to his homeland; it is selfish to think otherwise, even as difficult as this time is for everyone concerned.
Those of you who have experienced the opportunity of caring for and loving this bear, are envied by us all; what a difference you have made in developing his personality and joyful temperment. This connection with him is something you will keep close to your hearts for the rest of your lives; I’m certain that Mei Sheng will remember each and every one of you, too, and he is most fortunate to have had you all take such special care of him!
November 2nd, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Thank You so much for the compilation video of Mei Sheng!! It was done so beautifully and of course brought tears to my eyes. It was just like yesterday when Mei Sheng was 1 year old. I always wondered, since male pandas mature later then female pandas if the male stays longer with their mom in the wild. I thought in some species the males do, but I could be wrong. I thought maybe that’s why Mei Sheng seemed so much closer to Bai Yun and was called momma’s boy. I loved watching them be together. The females seemed to be a lot more independent faster. It’s great to watch all the pandas and enjoy them to the fullest! We’re learning so much, thanks to all of you. Mei will probably be leaving soon. I pray for a safe trip for all and hope one day, I will get to see him again. See Ya, You Special Panda Boy! Hugs and kisses to you.
November 2nd, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Couldn’t enter a comment on the new voting blog…so: I love them all! But I think I’m leaning to Ming Zhu, for the next 15 minutes anyway, until I change my mind again.
November 2nd, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Thank you for the great compilation – it is so wonderful to see some of the events in the young life of Mei Sheng that I remember so well. To see him in his first snow again as a youngster was charming and well remembered. So was the scene of him with Bai Yun as he tried to get her to play when she was so tired. and the last scene of him in the tree .. what a wonderful representation of a panda he is. He will be remembered by so many of us for a very long time. Mei Sheng — Godspeed on your journey, and know that many of our hearts travel with you.
November 2nd, 2007 at 7:09 pm
This note is to wish Mei Sheng a safe and comfortable journey to his new home. Thank you, San Diego Zoo staff, for taking good care of the pandas and the panda fans. Thank you especially for describing Mei Sheng’s new home; though we will miss him greatly, we know he will do well in his new life.
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Thank you for the video chronicling the life of Mei Sheng. I especially enjoy the end where Mei Sheng was dangling in the tree by his hind legs, trying to get the enrichment item inside the plastic/rubber container. What wonderful memories we have of Mei Sheng even though we all miss him!
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:40 am
Mei Sheng: Today is your last day. I sincerely hope you will have a safe journey and find your new home comfortable. Many hugs and kisses for you~
November 3rd, 2007 at 4:14 am
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 3rd, 2007 at 6:37 am
Michelle, #247 — Yes, they have reported that some studies suggest that male panda cubs do stay with their mothers longer, and are closer to their mothers than the female cubs. So, just like humans, they are ” momma’s boys.” These wonderful bears seem so human-like to us, with how they sit and eat, hold their babies, and in Me Sheng’s case, love their keepers and enjoy the steady stream of adoring admirers. Tai Shan at NZ is the same way. We have to keep reminding ourselves that the pandas are bears.
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:11 am
Mei Sheng is still here…! I was so surprised to turn on the cam a short time ago, and saw him taking a snooze; I thought, for sure, that by today, we would all receive the blog we have been dreading, informing us that he had arrived in Wolong.
I’m so glad we still have some precious moments left to watch him on the cam; thank you SDZ for continuing to share Mei Sheng with us for as long as possible, before he leaves to begin the next part of his life’s journey.
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:30 am
Safe journey dear, sweet Mei Sheng. You’ve brought sunshine into our lives for the past four years and now it’s time to say goodbye. I hope you adapt well to your new home and find lots of trees to climb and places to explore. So goodbye for now…I know I’ll see you one day in Wolong.
Thank you to the wonderful SDZ staff for the loving care you have given Mei Sheng. I often envy your position to be so close to these precious animals, but I also understand that it makes saying goodbye that much harder.
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:38 am
wow. what a treat. Crazy night out on Bourbon Street… and comming back to the room to find my panda still here. I’m not going to ask why, i’m just going to be glad that when we came back to the room at night and log on he’s still here. Maybe when i get home to phoenix sunday I can take monday off and drive over to SD and see him one last time.
This is kind of like slowly pulling the scab off after a good skateboard wipe out. You know it’s gonna hurt and yet we keep comming back to look to see if he’s gone yet.
Pooper, u look awesome as ever. Still gonna miss u but it’s been great to have you an extra week.
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:44 am
OH WOW
i just watched the video. I’m in it on his 4th birthday. WOO HOO!!!
November 3rd, 2007 at 11:38 am
Thank you so much for the video of Mei Sheng! I missed a couple of his early years so it was great to see the early times. I’ve definitely enjoyed watching him so much this week, too. He is just an AWESOME bear! I know he will love all the panda interaction in Wolong. Bye bye sweet boy.
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Every time I come to PandaCam and see Mei Sheng is still here, my heart is happy. Thank you to the SDZ Panda Keepers for sharing him with those of us far away that can’t wish him well in person. You have done a spectacular job of helping to raise such a dear, sweet boy. As hard as it is on Mei Sheng’s fans from near and far to part with his endearing personality, I cannot imagine how difficult it will be on all of you who got to enjoy watching him grow on a daily basis. Please know that when Mei Sheng moves on to carry out his Panda destiny, you have lots of Panda lovers who admire and appreciate all you have done and share in your heartache from all over the world. And when Mei Sheng becomes a father one day, hopefully many times over, you can feel the pride of grandparents knowing you played an important part in keeping our beloved bears a special part of our world.
Mei Sheng, I will miss you dearly. Although I wasn’t able to visit you often enough in person, you have brought such a bright light and joy to me and all the people I shared you with thru PandaCam. I wish you lots of trees to climb, interesting things to explore, but most of all–little ones that can carry your light and wonderful personality far into the future. Have a safe journey and know that you take the love and hope of panda lovers everywhere with you as start a new chapter in your life. We will miss you!
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:14 pm
How long did it take Hua Mei to adjust to her new surroundings and how did she do on the long flight to China? I just hate to think of Mei Sheng being confused and lost and am hoping the adjustment period has shown to be a short one..I know he’ll be fine soon, but I’m hoping he won’t be too flabbergasted..
Good-bye Mei Sheng, you sweet boy. I know your time to leave is approaching quickly. Have a wonderful life at Wolong and know that we love you.
November 3rd, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Thank you so much for the lovely tribute to our boy! It was impossible for my eyes not to tear up watching it. It was wonderful to get glimpes of him this past week but at the same time, I’ll be relieved to hear that he has arrived safely in his beautiful new home. I look forward to hearing that his quarantine is over and he gets to start playing with his age group. He will have SO much fun!!
Mei Sheng, a big hug to you and many wonderful years and little cubbies to you! You are a VERY SPECIAL BEAR!!!
November 3rd, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Great interaction this afternoon with Mei Sheng & Su Lin at the Howdy gate; so wonderful to see this one last time, as I’m sure our panda man is about to be spirited away to China very soon.
For those of you from the SDZ who are fortunate enough to accompany Mei Sheng on his long journey, to keep him safe & happy, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you deliver your precious bear to his destiny in Wolong.
Now, it is sweet chubmuffin’s turn to lift all of our spirits, as the naming ceremony is fast approaching…while one door is closing, another has opened with a new cub to love. We are fortunate, indeed, to have another lovely girl to watch grow up on the cam…what a gift to pandaholics everywhere…!
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:37 pm
I just spent the last 2.5 days saying my final farewell to Mei Sheng. Like always, I was able to have a few good pictures of him, and I hope to put in on my website some time soon to share with you all.
On Thursday afternoon, he seemed a bit startled and was snorting and huffing and puffing, climbed up the tree and stayed there a while. It was such a blessing to have seen him one more time in person. I, amongst 4 other Mei Sheng fans, did not want to say good bye to him by the end of the day. He was quite playful today, doing his usual stuff and interacting with Su Lin at the Howdy gate.
My desire and prayer is that he will be cherished in China, like he was here and that they’d treat him right, even unto his geriatric years. Blessings to you, Mei Sheng, and all the pandas in the world. Thank you all pandaholics!
November 3rd, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Today around 12:04PM I was lucky enough to see our sweet silly bear do a somersault in front of his sister, Su Lin, at the Howdy Gate. They got up close and personal and seemed to be telling each other good bye. I have tried to replay the time-lapse video for today and capture the image but if I hadn’t been there when it happened I’d never see it. I’d love to share the shots but can’t figure out how to get the split second image to appear in order to let you try to find it. I just hope some of you were there today as I was in front of my computer to see their sweet good bye.
I think Mei Sheng was trying to tell Su Lin that it would be up to her to carry on the tradition of entertaining us and was teaching her how to do a somersault. Such a good big brother he is. He was nose to nose thrut he howdy gate with her and then he just did a perfect somersault while she watched thru the grid.
Thanks to everyone at the zoo who has taken the extra time to share the antics of our boy during what must still be a difficult time getting home and hearth cleaned up from the fires. Your extra efforts are greatly appreciated.
November 4th, 2007 at 10:02 am
I am looking at the Panda Cam right now, and I am not sure if it is Mei Sheng I am watching. But the cute bear is surely having fun with the enrichment item (took a few tries to get the biscuits/food out of the rubber plastic container), and is now having fun munching on bamboo atop the collapsed cardboard boxes. What a joy to watch!
November 4th, 2007 at 10:06 am
I just clicked on the Panda Cam and it was showing Camera #28. That is not listed. Could it have been our proud Daddy, Gao Gao? And when it shows #4,5 or 6, is that our little Boy or has it left already for china?
My friends tell me that I am addicted to the Panda Cam but have truly loved watching Bai Yun take care of our little treasure. .
November 4th, 2007 at 10:40 am
It has been so heart warming to be able to turn the computer on and see Mei Sheng these past few days. I feel like he’s been my personal morning greeter! I logged on this morning to see Mei Sheng wrestling with an armful of bamboo and happily eating his breakfast. He is such a sweet happy bear, I don’t know what I am going to do when I am not able to watch him anymore.
On a side note, last night we logged on to the Wolong cameras and saw some live footage of about 6 little pandas surrounded by people!! They were being petted and hand fed, and one little bear was hanging on to the legs of one of the people. So then we did a google search and found that they offer these ” volunteer panda tours” where you pay to be a volunteer for a few days, and in that time you have some face time to play and have interaction to the bears. As great and wonderful as this sounds, it made me wonder if in the long run this is a disservice to the bears. If they continue to treat the bears as domesticated animals, won’t they have that much harder of a time once they are let go into the wild? They will have too much human dependency. I have always been used to the way that the SDZ treats their animals, although the keepers love their bears, they don’t try to domesticate them or turn them into pets as they still respect them as wild animals. I just worry b/c I feel that after all the hard work the keepers at the SDZ have done to care for these bears, the center out in China unravels all their hard work by letting so many people just come in contact with them so easily. Maybe I don’t have all the correct info, and those bears that they put on that particular display will never be released in the wild and will always live at the center. I just worry that once those bears are released into the wild, they will not know how to survive on their own. Does anyone at the SDZ know the answer to why that is done?
I don’t know how many more days we will have to be able to watch Mei Sheng, but I know that I am thankful for these past few days. He is so loved, and I hope that he will be just as loved when he gets to China.
November 4th, 2007 at 11:35 am
#258 Tonymo….I just checked the compilation video….what a huge treat for you to be filmed talking to (or filming) our sweet boy. I hope you use that as your screensaver somehow. I have one of him lounging and smiling on a tree limb. It will stay on my screen forever, I am sure.
November 4th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Here is a newsy panda treat from my favorite customized news page today as of three hours ago CST. I am posting this at 2:36 PM CST, Sunday, Nov. 4th and it is already Monday, Nov. 5th in China so keep that in mind when reading the news article.
How to get there without putting a hyperlink in this messge…
Can you go to Google News? It is listed as http colon backslash backslash news dot google dot com and then search for Shanghai Wildlife Park Mei Sheng or if that doesn’t work type in a search for Wolong Mei Sheng. There is a news report out of the Shanghai Daily dot com page called Panda returns to his roots in China By Lu Feiran 2007-11-5.
November 4th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
#268 Sara. I also have worried about the cavalier attitudes at Wolong about walking around, holding, petting, bottle-feeding, and intermingling with the pandas. Our U.S. pandas, as they are introduced to Wolong, are all 4 years old and NOT very accustomed to being treated like puppies. If one were to turn on a keeper, what would HAPPEN? (Has this ever happened?) I do tend to consider the different culture our young pandas are going into. This adaptation cannot be either easy for our sweet, beloved teenagers or taken for granted by their new keepers.
Can our moderators please address this issue, as well as the one of releasing tame and friendly bears into the wild forests. The only time this was done, it met with disaster, as that poor panda was mauled and killed by wild pandas. What do the Wolong staff plan to do to make these tame pandas wild before they release them, so that there are no repeats of the first release effort?
November 4th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Thank you, thank you. thank you for putting the webcam mostly on our favourite boy for so many hours today. I guess this means that this is the day we’ve all been dreading – the last day our boy Mei Sheng will be on exhibit. I’ve sat all day just watching him eating bamboo sleeping walking around savouring every minute of this handsome boy.
Mei Sheng i will miss you so much, thank you for keeping me entertained, for helping to relax me when i’ve been feeling stressed, but also helping me to understand why so many people love pandas. I’m very proud to admit that i’m now a panda lover. Please take good care of yourself. I know that when you become a daddy they will be the most beautiful pandas and i hope they also have your charming ways. The people of Wolong are going to be very lucky in being able to see you daily this is something that we all will miss much more than you will ever know.
I wish you and your keepers who will be going with you a safe journey. My love and hugs are sent to you to take with you and keep you company when you start your new life in China. Take care and thank you for keeping me company.
For all the keepers that have cared for Mei Sheng these past four years thank you for all you’ve done for him you all have helped to make him the handsome boy he is. My heart goes out to you when you have to say goodbye to him when he leaves. That will be so hard for you. All we all ask is that you let us know he reaches China safely and how he settles in. My thoughts are with you all
All my love and kisses to Mei Sheng be safe.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
November 4th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Knowing that these are the last images we will see of Mei Sheng on the web cam makes me very sad and he will be missed so much. Mei Sheng…although you will be gone from my sight, you will always remain in my heart. I wish Mei Sheng and his keepers a very safe flight to his new home.
November 4th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Thank you for the Compilation of Mei Sheng’s life at SDZ. It is fabulous and brings back fond memories of a sweet silly sensitive momma’s boy panda cub. Since I was not aware of panda cam until Su Lin was 8 months old, I am especially happy to see the glimpses of Mei Sheng’s life with Bai Yun. He was a paw-full just like Tai Shan. I am happy to read again that male panda cubs are more attached to their mothers than female cubs because both of the US born male cubs seem to have been with their mothers more, and hence ” pestered” their mothers more to play with them. Perhaps that is how they learn to interact with other pandas so that they are prepared to solicit a female’s attention when they are mature enough to breed.
As Carmi said, Mei Sheng and Hua Mei have very valuable genes to bring to the gene pool at Wolong, and hence intellectually (although emotionally very hesitantly) one must come to the conclusion that this is the right thing to do. Since he is bringing the genes from BaiYun and Gao Gao to the pool for the first time, his genes are more significant that Su Lin or Cub #4. Su Lin’s genes will be important to pass along via the female side of the breeding equation. But, cub #4, is less a breakthrough in the gene pool. So, maybe she will get to stay in the US and breed here with a future male to be born here, or brought here to be her mate.
Such a thought helps to brighten the gloom of him leaving.
Fairwell young panda prince! Make your keepers, sire and dam, and whole panda ” family” of admirers in the US proud of your heritage.
Safe travels and have a wonder-full life at your new home in the world’s premiere Giant Panda Refuge.
November 4th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Vaya con dios, Mei Sheng!
November 4th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Will you be uploading the compilation video to You Tube too? It might help those who are having difficulty viewing the video.
Moderator’s note: We’ll do it right now.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:55 am
Thanks SDZ for the compilation of Mei Sheng first four years.
Are you planning a DVD about him?
November 5th, 2007 at 4:05 am
I have copy and pasted the article from the China paper for those who want to read it. . According to this, our little boy will be leaving us very very soon. .
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 5th, 2007 at 5:03 am
I’ve just read when Mei Sheng arrives in Shangai he will rest in a wild park, in a privite room , to recover from the flight before his next trip to Wolong.
If he is upset by the long trip, bad temper or poor apetite, he’ll stay for a long period for a break.
The news reassures me that every detail have been plannned about Mei Sheng’s trip.
God blessed you ( Deus te abençoe), My Baby Boy!
November 5th, 2007 at 6:14 am
It’s 5 am in San Diego now, and you must be in preparation for leaving your home. I am sure you will love your new home as it will be on a mountain with beautiful trees and many panda neighbors. Take care and always be happy. Have a safe trip. You and the zoo staffs that are going with you will be in my prayers.
#270, Cathy: Thanks for the news.
Cam operators: Thank you so much for showing us Mei Sheng yesterday. I couldn’t leave my computer because I didn’t want to miss a second of him.
November 5th, 2007 at 7:44 am
I have not known Mei Sheng except since Bai Yun had the cub. What a delight to watch such a playful, happy panda! I feel sad to see him go, even though I have not followed his life like the new cub’s and our own Mei Lan in Atlanta.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Cathy, #270, thanks for the info about Shanghai Daily. It is a very long flight, 20 hours from CA to Shanghai. Glad to know the Mei Sheng is receiving first class treatment with his very own room to recuperate from the journey. Also glad to know that he will be closely monitored once he reaches China and only will proceed to Wolong if he is unstressed from the trip and ready to travel. He is one flexible, and resilient panda, so I am sure he will do great. I never doubted that his best interest was paramount in everyone’s minds. All details, including very minute ones, have been taken care of.
It quotes Wolong as saying he will be matched with ” a mate.” Does that mean he is being reserved to mate with only one female? Or is the ” mate” the training/practice he will receive like Gao Gao did before he came to the US? Timing given is March to May next year, which is typical estrus cycle time for panda females. I imagine that genes as rare as his will be used to mate with more than one female. Maybe not the first year, but in succeeding years as his breeding prowess increases. Will he be seeing the same ” Panda porn” that Hua Mei did?
If he is placed with a ” mate” is that the only direct contact he will have with another panda? If so, our visions of him playing with other adolescent pandas is mis-guided. Most of the other pandas we have seen at Wolong ” playing” are younger than 4 years old, more like 6 months to 2 years old, like Su Lin. She doesn’t seem to be as interested in playing with a ” mate” as he is.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Farewell sweet prince. May all your dreams come true.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Will Gao Gao be moved up to the front now that Mei Sheng’s exhibit is ” vacant?” It seems like Bai Yun is more comfortable with things happening around her, and the cub, since she goes farther away during the day to eat and rest. Will Su Lin move back to the other exhibit to provide her with enrichment in the form of changing territory. She must feel very comfortable in the other space that she and Bai Yun inhabited together for so long.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:52 am
It is great to see ” daddy” Gao Gao, munching away on his bamboo pile. The view is great, and looks like he is sitting like a ” King,” which he deserves to be, in the middle of a bamboo ” forest” with his plate piled high with his favorite food. Suzanne and Ellie have mentioned many times how much he likes his bamboo, and how he is content as long as he has a plentiful supply. He looks quite like a ” fat” and happy guy. He is not ” dumb” as he is the best at breeding naturally with his favorite ” gal” Bai Yun.
The Shanghai Daily article also mentions that Mei Sheng is very special because he is the first panda cub to be born from a natural mating outside of China. Hence, ” Born in USA” is a most appropriate name for him, although I am very thankful that he is called by his handsome Chinese name ” Mei Sheng.” Hua Mei ” China-USA” was appropriate for her, because of the great working relationship that developed as a result of ShiShi and Bai Yun producing her. But, she was not conceived naturally, and hence does not have the very special quality that Mei Sheng, Su Lin, and Ming Zhu have thanks to Gao Gao. Each cub that has been born in SDZ, and NZP, and ZA, have special characteristics which separate them from the ” pack” at Wolong, therefore each is a ” celebrity” in their own right.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:05 am
#270 Cathy, thanks for the hedzup re: Mei Sheng’s trip. Looks like he is on his way (sniffle), with apples to help him over the trauma of the 20 hour trip. I was able to get some idea of what they have planned for his future in Wolong, and I am sure he won’t have ANY trouble at all meeting the ” ladies” of the group. It is my hope that he will be allowed to naturally reproduce, rather than endure forced intervention by staff. Hopefully he will help contribute his genes to many successful pairings.
Oh, how we will miss him. I have YET to be able to get any panda views from the Wolong pandacam. Will just keep trying.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:06 am
My thoughts are with the panda staff as you go through your days this week with somewhat heavy hearts, but knowing that you played a strong role in raising this most precious panda boy that has left you for his ” homeland.” Your love and dedication helped him become the strong, independent panda that he is destined to be.
Your professionalism is exemplary, and your dedication unmatched.
May the fond memories and mental pictures carry you through your tears, and long hours. And, may the sight of the other four beautiful pandas still in your midst receiving your care, be the recipients of your renewed vigor to provide the pandas the best possible home in the US. As you reflect on Mei Sheng’s life and growth, and look at his ” baby sister” as she starts along the same path, may your efforts be reflected in her, and Su Lin, as they mature into equally precious adolescent pandas.
Thanks to the Meerkats for sharing images of the ” whole family” as we each reflect on this special, somewhat sad, week. It is great to see that pandas are more resilient than humans, and are moving on as though nothing has happened. After all, in the wild each of the adults and Su Lin would be roaming their own territory, and would literally move on, after a possible brief encounter with each other in the wild. They don’t tend to harbor the same kind of memories that humans do. It is all a part of life and ” growing up” for them.
I especially appreciated Carmi’s comments in the video which put into ” real” perspective the emotions that all of us human panda watchers and admirers are going through. We must keep the welfare of ALL pandas in mind, and realize that this must be, and that it is ” the right thing to do.”
May your journey be quiet, uneventful, and unstressful, Mei Sheng, and may your sleep and your dreams of ” home” be sweet. Be a great guy and make us all proud to have shared the first 4 years of your most precious life. Enjoy your time with your US friends as you meet your new Chinese friends.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:09 am
I guess you are finally on your journey to fulfill your destiny! Farewell for now, baby
boy! Have a safe journey and many blessings and longevity to you always. Love your auntie, Susan!
I will never forget you, sweetheart! Thanks for posing for some great pictures I took this past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!
November 5th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Margaret #287, thank you for the beautiful words that alot of us couldn’t say, you are the that has the golden tongue, your words are pure and from the heart. I am not myself today and to my beautiful boy have a safe trip and smile often because you will know we will be thinking of you often.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Today, I noticed that Mei Sheng’s picture has been moved on the pandcam page and placed beside Hua Mei’s and Shi Shi’s pictures. Now we know for sure that our baby boy (he will always be our baby) has left San Diego, CA for Wolong in China. I have mixed feelings. I’m going to miss seeing him on the panda cams interacting with Su Lin. But in my mind, I know Mei Sheng returning to China is for the best. I feel better concentrating on the fact that he will have a choice of bride when he gets to China. Hopefully, he will have a great relationship with his future bride like his parents Bai Yun and Gao Gao do. I also hope that Mei Sheng will be able to enjoy the mountains, the fresh air, and the beautiful outside surroundings in Wolong. I just hope that we can see pictures of him in the future. We love him so much.
Well, on that note, I have to get back to work. But I just want to wish a safe trip for our boy and his handlers, and all the best for the San Diego Zoo staff, the American/Chinese staffers accompanying Mei Sheng to Wolong, Mei Sheng’s new keepers, and all those involved who love Mei Sheng. May Mei Sheng continue to have a beautiful life.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:57 am
I see our young man has started his travels home to fulfill his destiny. May you have a safe trip with your handlers, and we all look so forward to seeing a new post that tells us how well you are doing.
The past few days so many people have posted their joy in watching Mei grow into the fine young bear he is, I sentiment all of the same feelings. I am grateful to have seen him in person before he left, and once again would like to thank all of his keepers for their wonderful care.
He is such a handsome fella, and we all know that he will produce beautiful little Panda Bears for all of us back home……
November 5th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Thank Goodness I have been busy at work today so as not to keep checking the web site continously.
I did just notice the news line that Mei Sheng is on his way. . My heart is filled with a little sadness but
happiness at the life that is ahead of our precious little boy. God Speed Mei Sheng. . Safe Travels. .
Thank you also for updating the panda cams on who is who. . Maybe we will get to see our proud Daddy
a bit more often. .
November 5th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
You uploaded the wrong clip!!!! Cubbie screamed at the end, ” I’m not Mei Sheng!!!”
November 8th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I just read all of these blog entries and I went through a box of tissues! BAWLING my eyes out. I so enjoyed reading the worlds comments on Mei Sheng! What an ambassador he is! I hope, deep down in his Panda soul, he knows how admired he is. how loved he is.
November 28th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
i love mei sheng and im happy shes going to china but im sad she has to go.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Well goodbyes are always tough, but hopefully Mei Sheng, will be very happy in China.