Wolong Relief
Posted at 10:55 am June 23, 2008 by Ron Swaisgood
I just got off the phone with three of my good friends from Wolong. They are at the panda center in Bifengxia near Ya’an now. Their spirits sound better, as they are turning their attention to rebuilding a new future for themselves. I also told them about all the support we have received from the folks on the panda blog and the many donations that have come to the San Diego Zoo for the Wolong Earthquake Relief Fund. They were very appreciative of this support and wanted me to thank you all for them. So, thank you!
To date we have raised nearly $60,000 for Wolong, which will be a big help when they start to rebuild. Of course, we hope to raise much more in the future! Their plan is first to move most of the pandas and the Reserve staff to Ya’an, where temporary facilities for pandas and people will be built. They will not be able to rebuild the main panda center at Hetauping because expert geologists have determined that it is too dangerous a location. This makes me sad because the location was so beautiful: a steep narrow valley, carved out by the Pitiao River, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. But this is precisely why it is so dangerous. When another earthquake strikes, tons of rock and debris could bury the center, taking with it many more lives. The nearby village, Shawan, may also be too dangerously located to rebuild the administration headquarters. Most probably, only a few pandas will return to a small center in the Wolong Nature Reserve. The Wolong staff is searching for new, safe areas to rebuild.
Wolong will never be the same. I consider Wolong my second home, so now I know that I can’t go home again to Wolong. Although this brings me great sadness, I am happy to know that the energetic and dedicated staff at Wolong will go on, they will rebuild, and they will continue their world-class efforts to breed and conserve giant pandas. And, thanks to the support from so many of you, you can say that you helped make that happen.
Ron Swaisgood is the co-head of the San Diego Zoo’s Giant Panda Conservation Unit.
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June 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 am
Thank YOU, Ron for keeping us informed about the latest goings-on at Wolong. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say we are more than happy to send whatever we can afford at this terrible time. It is very kind of your good friends to thank us when they must have so much on their minds. My hat goes off to them for the way they (and the rest of China) has dealt with the aftermath of the earthquake. I have been hearing about the big threat of flooding as there has been torrential rain – are you able to tell us how they will deal with this if it happens?
I do hope that a new Panda Place is found soon and they can start building. I think about the Pandas every day. I suppose there is no news of the missing Panda?
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
How sad that Wolong can’t be rebuilt in the same area – Ron, as you said the area looked idealic but as we all know it’s not safe, Mention Wolong to any panda fan and they knew exactly what you meant. Maybe the new facility will have the name ” Wolong” in it.
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I read an article on Yahoo saying that the pandas are losing weight because there’s not enough bamboo. I hope this can be fixed.
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Ron, Thank you for the update, I’m glad that everyone is busy which keeps there minds off all the terrible times and helps look foward to the future. It is nice of them to thank us, but it us who who should be thankful for them and what they did to save our beloved pandas, risking danger to themselves to get to the babies and larger pandas. Ron you will go home one day, it maybe a different place but good friends will be there to welcome you and that is what matters.
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Hey, Ron! Thanks for your update about Wolong Reserve and what’s been happening there and at Bifengxia. I’m glad that they are considering moving a large number of the pandas to Bifengxia as soon as those temp buildings are finished. I agree with you that the current location is now considered too dangerous and treacherous for the pandas to stay too much longer and to rebuild on. Look at what the quake did to that mountain in front of the reserve gate! Knowing that this earthquake fault is still considered pretty active, they are making the best decision to move the pandas and staff away from there to a safer area. I am also hoping that they will be able to find a suitable, safer location to rebuild the reserve center so that they can continue on with their research and conservation efforts full time again. Having $60,000.00 in the donation pot is not too bad after almost two months of raising money. I’m like you, tho; more money still needs to be raised to be able to find the right place, suitable land, and get the rebuilding process going. Plus, the never ending needs of food and supplies that they will be needing to feed not only themselves but also the pandas that will be coming in the next several months ahead. The people at Pandas International are also working very hard to make sure that Wolong Reserve have what they need to get thru this transition time.
You didn’t mention anything about the one missing panda, Xiao Xiao. Has there been anything from the Wolong staff about that panda and if they found him yet? We’re still waiting on word about Xiao and whether he has survived over the last couple of months out there. Plus, what are the plans of the field workers on when they will be able to get up in those mountains that were affected by the quake to get a good solid count of the wild pandas? I’m still concerned about them as well!
I know that you are sad about losing the original home to Wolong Reserve, but also think about the new facility that will be built to hopefully withstand earthquakes, and the upgrade that this new Wolong Reserve will be getting in the next few months. Before long after it is built, up and running, and doing their great work, this new place will be your new home away from home. Your love for the pandas will help you thru that transition pretty well. Are you still in China or are you back home in San Diego?
Now to the pandacam! Last nite, I saw Gao, the bamboo eating machine, back in his bedroom eating his dinner boo in privacy, just the way he likes it!! Today, Gao was outside eating his boo. He’ll eat bamboo just about anywhere! I also got on the AZ website panda page and saw Mei Lan flopped over her favorite sleeping spot on the log inside her enclosure. Boy, has she outgrown that spot! I remember last year when she would take her naps on that log, and she wouldn’t cover a foot of it! Now, she’s laying down on about 2/3 of that log. It’s hard to believe that Mei Lan will be 2 years old in September! Today’s update about Lun Lun was talking about the next step in Lun Lun’s possible pregnancy. She’s back on ultrasound checks on a regular basis again. The keepers and vets will be doing ultrasound checks on Lun about once or twice a week along with getting urine samples to check her hormone levels. I’m also continuing to keep checking the NZ website panda pages for new updates about Mei Xiang as well.
Well, gonna go and get some things done. Will be checking pandacam, too!
Love all the pandas,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Thanks, Ron, for the update on Wolong. Please keep us updated on any news on the panda that is still missing. (Every single one counts!) As you communicate with your friends there please let them know that everyone in Wolong, people and pandas alike, is in our thoughts and prayers.
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Thank you so much for your updates on Wolong. Although I have never been to Wolong, I have watched the cam enough that I feel oddly as if I have been there, and even have recognized a keeper or two on the news. It saddens me to think the Research Center will not be rebuilt in a place that holds so many good memories but good memories can be built in a better place, I’m sure. I promise to give what I can to the rebuilding, whenever I can, as this precious umbrella species must be preserved, if for nothing else, to prove that humankind can change it’s ways to live in harmony with it’s fellow travellers on this small blue marble, spinning in space.
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I’m glad I volunteered for 4 days in Wolong last year. I got to experience the Wolong that Dr Swaisgood described in this post. It’s beautiful, and I’m sad it’ll never be the same again.
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
To Maureen in Michigan # 2: I really like your thought on the name of the new panda site! I have ‘trained’ my friends and family to associate the word Wolong with Panda.
He can make a mess in there and I love it! I then wonder why I had such a problem with messy bedrooms when my sons were teenagers 
To Chari Mercer #5: I also enjoy watching Gao Gao eat in his bedroom.
To Ron: Thank YOU for your update! We all appreciate each and every word, photo, video we can access!
To Moderator: Is that Zhen Zhen of Su Lin on the header for the zoo site? Some days, I think it’s Zhen and then next day I think it’s Su. Please advise.
To All: There is the neatest photo on the zooatlanta site which shows Lun Lun getting and ultrasound! Go to panda updates.
Moderator’s note: Su Lin is shown on the Zoo’s home page: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.html
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
As I read your words about not being able to ” go home ” as you knew it and also that they won’t rebuild there…it gave me goose bumps and tears….but I am one of those people that my glass is always half full….not half empty…in all things that seem to be tragic or bad….if you keep looking and are patient…you will really see that rainbow…there is good in all things….I just know that the new location will be beautiful and safe…wait and see and you will have a new home to go back to.with all your friends ….human ones and fuzzy, cute ones….if we can all hold the vision of seeing our pandas getting the food and all they need and being safe we will be creating what we want for them….we need to stay positive…yes it was and is devasting…but not the end of the world…..the beginning of something better and greater…
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
ZA has a great photo of LunLun getting an ultrasound on Monday’s update. She never missed a beat in her training even after all this time.
Saw something strange about 4pm on the cam today – sure looked 3 panda bottoms on a tree limb- watched for quite a while & never did figure out what I was seeing.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Hi Ron,
Thank you again for the update. Although I share you grief, and I think that Wolong Nature Reserve is beautiful no matter where you go, it’s still too close to the fault lines and is dangerous. I hope they find another beautiful place to rebuilt without the risks and perils of the old.
However, when you mentioned that only a small number will remain in Wolong, why bother leaving them there and possibly suffer the fate of being buried under the debris should another large quake occurs. Would you be able to pursuade the Wolong Department Heads to move all of the pandas out of the danger zones? That really concerns me.
I hope that the new center they rebuild will be closer to Chengdu and not as deep in the valley of Wolong for the sake of the panda lovers who want to see them, but have difficulties in making the long ride to Wolong due to physical or medical reasons.
My heart continues to go out to all of the quake victims of China, both pandas and people.
SDZ and Panda Research Team, I thank you for playing a key role in panda conservation so that we can enjoy these beauties for years to come. God Bless.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Some great shots of Miss Z playing with a pile a bamboo – it’s the first time I’ve seen her in days – she is growing way too fast – a beautiful panda.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Ron, thank you so much for your updates. I had the good fortune to visit Wolong last year, and the beauty of that place will be etched in my memory forever. The important thing now, is for all of us to contribute to the relief funds that support Wolong, so that it can rebuild and continue its important work to conserve the giant panda…wherever its new home may be.
June 24th, 2008 at 5:36 am
In your instructions to posters you say ” pinging is not allowed.” I wouldn’t know if I ” pinged” or not, because I don’t understand pinging in this context. I understand that pinging in the computer tech world is to send a message to another address to see if they are listening, but how does that relate to this website? Please explain to those of us who don’t want to do something that is ” not allowed.” Thanks.
Moderator’s note: Pinging is simply the practice of making comments that have nothing to do with the comments of the blog, like making a comment advertising a product or service. As long as you aren’t doing this, you’re fine.
June 24th, 2008 at 8:00 am
The Canadian press announced this morning that 19 pandas were sent to Bi Feng Xia in the last week and another 19 were sent to Chengdu because of fear of the river overflowing in Wolong during the rainy season. Has anyone else heard of this? They also said some others would be sent to different reserves but didn’t mention quantities or which reserves.
Since the pandas are solitary animals this shouldn’t affect them too much but the care givers will have to be split up also. I hope their families are relocated with them. If it’s not safe for the pandas it can’t be safe for the people involved either. We just have to keep donating so all concerned are looked after.
Bye for now, Lee
June 24th, 2008 at 10:36 am
CNN reported that all but 7 pandas have been moved. They have been moved to 4 different reserves. It didn’t
say if the remaining 7 would be moved or would be allowed to stay at Wolong. It sounded like lack of bamboo
played a role in relocating the pandas and also the beginning of the rainy season.
June 24th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Lee, I had heard that some Panda’s have been relocated as well. I wonder if they all will be with the conditions at Wolong so unsafe. I too hope that all keepers and their families go with their bears. I couldn’t imagine a keeper and a bear not being kept together. But truly we don’t know the circumstances of what they are dealing with just getting through the day.
I got my British Columiba fuel rebate cheque today, so off it goes to the Wolong Fund….. Every little bit helps right, plus our Govt hopes we spend it on something ” green” … Helping the bears doesn’t get much more green for me
I too appreciate all of Ron’s updates, it’s like we can see Wolong through your eyes Ron, thankyou for that. And as one other post said, you will always have Wolong in your heart, that goes for all of you that have been there. And for those of us that haven’t you have opened the window a bit for us…
June 24th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Ron, many thanks for the update on Wolong which, on the one hand, sounds very promising, yet rather sad for you having lost your second home. However, I know from experience home is where the heart is…. Bearing in mind that both your human and your panda friends will be there to welcome you, irrespective of the location, should ease your pain a bit and make you feel at home again. $ 60 000 of donation is a good start and I am sure that every panda lover will carry on contributing to enable a new Conservation and Research Center for Pandas to be built in a safer area. I wish you and everybody else caring for our beloved all the best.
June 24th, 2008 at 11:41 am
One of the guys in our office just brought me a present, because he knew that i would love it. It’s called a ” jelly Pal” and it’s a panda. You can put it in the fridge and get it cold to use on bumps and bruises or use it as a wrist support for the computer mouse and it glows in the dark also. now I can feel a panda all the time
June 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Darlene #18 – what a great idea. I received mine yesterday also so will follow your lead and donate it. Hopefully there are more bloggers who live in B.C. who can do the same.
June 24th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Wow! I thought the panda bear on the front page of the SDZ web site is Bai Yun, but it is actually Su Lin!!! She certainly looks just like her mother!
June 24th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
It is sad to think that pandas will leave Wolong, even though it’s necessary.
I picture it like an old movie with the main characters leaving home in a slow caravan of covered wagons. They know they will never return. As they look back over their homeland, we see in their teary eyes the place where their ancestors lived and struggled to claim as their own territory. And then there is the wonder and excitement of new adventures and what is to come. The hope of the future collides with the memories of the past.
OK>> so, I’m emotional today!!! (and a bit sappy)
Much of my thoughts have been expressed by others. I’m so glad we have this forum. It’s such a comfort to me to know that others out there care about my beloved pandas as much as I do. What a thrill to be able to share my hobby/passion with all of you. Panda Hugs to everyone, especially those who provide hands-on care to these beautiful animals!
Love, Joy
June 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Hi! I agree with Bobbie Wood about Gao’s eating manners! Yes, he can be a very messy eater, but that’s what he is when he’s as much of an eating machine like he is! I think he just enjoys making that mess so that he can keep his keepers busy cleaning up after him the next morning! A very smart bear!! I wonder if he sleeps on his messy nest of stripped bamboo stalks? That would be a cool pic of Gao!!
Got my Pandas International email newsletter dated 6/24/2008 update. It’s got a lot in there. To those of you that are getting their newsletters in their emails, PI has put a couple of links related to the news reports about the pandas that the NBC Nightly News and Today Show did over the last week. To those of you who don’t get the email newsletters, there’s also some news about the Wolong pandas, staff, and buildings. 14 pandas from Wolong were moved shortly after the earthquake, eight were taken to Beijing Zoo for the Olympics, 6 more pandas were taken to Bifengxia. PI immediately shipped two new incubators to Bifengxia in anticipation of new cubs, but no one really knows how much this earthquake trauma has really affected the female pandas yet. The water at Wolong Reserve is polluted to the point that it is unusable. Much of the bamboo on the mountains that were the food source for the Wolong pandas are now totally buried under rocks, mud, dirt, trees; that makes the reserve unable to support the pandas and the staff. They are trying to move all of the pandas to Bifengxia near Ya’an, west of Chengdu. This area is much warmer than the mountain reserve. New enclosures are being built to house all of the pandas that are coming in. Dr. Li Desheng will be going to Bifengxia; Dr. Tang will stay at Wolong until all of the pandas have been moved. A few days ago, a 2nd group of pandas were moved to Bifengxia because of the concern of the river close to Wolong Reserve that has been swelling due to the heavy rains. There are still some pandas left at Wolong with the staff.
That’s pretty much what PI has written on their update today. It looks like that they are going to totally leave that reserve center for good because it is just not that safe to remain there any longer. I’m also hoping that the new buildings that are being built at Bifengxia will have A/C in them due to the much warmer weather in that area. The Chinese keepers and staff at Wolong have done a heroic and remarkable job making sure that all of the pandas there are safe, fed, and sheltered since the quake hit them. I’m sure that they are still upset about losing Mao Mao, and are still very worried about the whereabouts of Xiao Xiao. I do hope that they can find Xiao Xiao very soon before they leave that area for good. I’m also hoping that Xiao did not suffer the same fate as Mao. Losing one reserve center panda and possibly several of the wild pandas from this quake are just too many to lose at this point in the conservation efforts to keep these bears going for generations to come.
I did check pandacam before writing this, and even tho there wasn’t too much light, I think I saw Su Lin sleeping in her favorite spot.
Well, it’s after midnite EDT here in Florida, and I need to go to bed. Will check panda cam tomorrow. Oh yeah, NZ has 2 new flamingo chicks that have hatched a couple of days ago! I did read on another comment page a month ago or so ago about the SDZ flamingos already hatching their chicks, so the NZ flamingos are having their baby boom now! They are sooooooo cute, fuzzy, and fun to watch when the new chicks try to walk!
Gonna go! Love to the pandas,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
June 24th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Ron, thank you so much on the Wolong updates. I’ve been searching pretty much everynight for info on Xiao Xiao. I’m hoping she did make it safely to the mountains and found a nice patch of boo to keep her going.
But I have another question that has been bugging me. What is the status of the ” sperm bank” of the deceased pandas? I’m really concerned about this because it’s vital to the preservation of this most loved species. Do you have any info on this? Thanks.
Sincerely,
Pandalover4ever
June 25th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Note to Grace #22 – only from the front – Su Lin has her father’s long, narrow tail!
June 25th, 2008 at 8:19 am
I just read this from the Macao Times regarding Wolong.
” The panda houses … are not safe for use anymore because they are too close to the mountains.”
She said 63 of the rare animals were kept in enclosures in the reserve before the quake, which killed one panda.
Thirteen have been transferred to another base in Ya’an about 130 kilometres to the south.
Some of those to be moved will go to research centres and wild animal zoos in the southern coastal provinces.
The government was looking for a new location in Wolong, which is nestled in Sichuan’s rugged mountains, to build another panda research centre, Xiong said.
Officials plan to get the transferred bears back in two or three years when construction is completed, she added.
” Wolong is, after all, the habitat of the pandas and is the most suitable place for them to live,” Xiong said.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
With everything that is going on with the wildfires here in Northern CA (We have 8 of them within 5 miles), the China earthquake, and the flooding in the Midwest—and I guess that I could go on and on. But just saw the CUTEST nursing session with Bai and Baby Zhen. Don’t we all need those precious times to decompress?! Thank you all so much at the SDZ for the web cam, and thank you Meercats for the wonderful pictures!!
Moderator’s note: Stay safe, Diana!
June 25th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I agree with Diana #28–those nursing sessions do help make up for a lot.
As for the pandas having to move from Wolong–I’m sure they’ll adjust faster than the keepers, who will undoubtedly be separated from some of their friends and family–even more than they are now. It will be a long time before all can be gathered together, but I hope they will find a wonderful, safe place for a new center that will be better than ever.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Barbara #20, what a great gift, and a fun and useful item to have. I must see if I can find one for some young friends of mine.
I was reading Pandas International newletter last night and they mentioned as Ron did that they have moved more pandas to Bifengxia. But, they have encountered an issue there that doesn’t exist at Wolong, it gets very hot in the Summer. They are frantically building new enclosures there to keep the new pandas and more potentially coming, and keep them comfortable in all temperatures. It is safer from landslides, but then they have weather to deal with.
Has anyone heard how the storms with high winds that were headed for China have affected things there?
What they don’t need is alot of heavy rain.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Five Wolong pandas (3 year olds – 4 female, 1 male) arrive at Baiyun Airport in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Destination is Panyu Safari World where 5 pandas already reside. Since weather is hot and humid there, the facilities are air conditioned. Narrative mostly in Cantonese.
www(dot)youtube(dot)com(slash)watch?v=lDtpv05MZVs
June 26th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Moderator,
Do you know the status of our panda lease with China? Has the zoo renegotiated or renew the lease yet? Also, since the earthquake, Wolong has moved most of their pandas out of the area and are planning to relocate the rest soon, will Su Lin get to stay much longer? Thanks in advance for any info you may have!
Moderator’s note: Due to the earthquake, meetings with government officials and panda conservationists in China have been delayed.
June 26th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Conversation with Gao Gao #36
Zhen Zhen: Plip… plop… plip… plop…
Tourist: Hello, Zhen Zhen.
Z: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: My! What sound effects!
Z: Oh, I’m learning a song.
T: A song?
Z: Yes. We will sing a song to raise money for Wolong Earthquake Relief Fund.
(Pandas rehearse Froggy Song, a Chinese folk song loosely translated by P Wong)
Mei Sheng: Ho! There’s a froggy!
Su Lin: With one mouth, 2 eyes, 4 legs.
Zhen Zhen: Plip… plop… plip… plop…
Hua Mei: Into the water.
Gao Gao: If froggy doesn’t sink,
Bai Yun: We’ll have a peaceful year.
Gao Gao: Floating and drifting on waves in the pond…
Bai Yun: Water lilies and plum blossoms.
June 26th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
P Wong #31 and #33–thanks as always for the info, and please let us know when and where the pandas will be performing.
June 26th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Hi Everyone – Check out the Video Portal and watch the highlights of Karen’s Sweet 16 Birthday Party. Karen invited five of her orangutan friends to join her in the celebration. Lots of fun!
Also very entertaining are the videos: Park at Dark at the Wild Animal Park, the Red River Hog Piglets at the Zoo, and the Giraffe Feeding at the Zoo.
These videos left me with a nice warm feeling and a big smile
Moderator’s note: Our video portal can be accessed from: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/videos/index.html
June 27th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Hello friends~ I just received an email from my friend, Wang Jing, in China. For all of you who have made donations and for all you Shi Shi lovers, here is the latest:
__________________________________________________________
Dear Candy,
Good to hear from you again. I am very busy recently. First, I’d like to extend my gratitude to all panda lovers. I am deeply touched by everything you’ve done to people affected by China Sichuan earthquake. Your donation and support will help us a lot. You are really a nice and kind person.
In order to protect pandas, many pandas will transfer to other cities in China. A safari park in Guangzhou has just received 5 Giant Pandas from Wolong, Sichuan. So please don’t worry about pandas. We will pray for them.
I want to tell you something about Long Sheng, Shi Shi ’s new neighbor. The name Long Sheng is related with China traditional lunar year. In China, every 12 year is a circle, 12 animals stand for each year. Because Long Sheng was born on the year of Dragon, ” Long†means Dragon in Chinese, ” Sheng†means sunrise, so he was named Long Sheng.
I know that young boy Long Sheng was not quite friendly to old gentleman Shi Shi. The keeper told me, one day when they are still separated. Long Sheng was wandering outside at the lawn, he walk near to the enclouse, near Shi Shi , and all a sudden he put his hand inside the fence and scratched Shi Shi. What a naughty boy! Ever since then, the keeper separated them carefully. If one is outside, one will be inside the house.
A couple days ago, I finally had some time to take pictures of them. ” Long Sheng†was quite energetic, wandering around the house. Shi Shi was having his big meal slowly.
Ok, I should continue to my work. I will spare some time to take pictures for you in the future.
Your friend,
Wang Jing
June 27th, 2008 at 9:21 am
P Wong….your conversations never fail to lift my spirits. What a gift of imagination and humor you have! Thank you for all of your posts! As I said before, panda lovers rock!
June 27th, 2008 at 10:52 am
What a great morning at Panda Land at the SDZ or I could say early afternoon in my area. I was watching LIttle ZZ having a mid morning snack and then a great play session with Mom. Bai seems to be enjoying it also some play and also a good time to give Miss ZZ a good once over. They were giving the visitors at the zoo and the cam watchers a great show. I want to thank the people who run the cameras today because they were keeping right up with those black and white furballs.
It’’s alway great to see something that lifts your spirits I sure hope we have some more babies this year at the NZ and AZ they give us all a happy heart.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Conversation with Gao Gao #37
Gao Gao:
(sings during Wolong Earthquake Relief Fund benefit event, to tune of Edelweiss from Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein)
He(h) Tao Ping, He(h) Tao Ping,
Every morning you greet me.
Luscious green, air so clean,
You look happy to meet me.
Your hills so steep and your vales so deep.
Please don’t weep forever.
He(h) Tao Ping, He(h) Tao Ping,
Bless my homeland forever.
Bai Yun:
(sings to same tune)
Pi Tiao He(h), Pi Tao He(h),
Every morning you greet me.
With rushing flow, crystal clear,
You look happy to meet me.
Your waters fresh and your voices sing.
Please don’t weep forever
Pi Tiao He(h), Pi Tiao He(h),
Bless my homeland forever.
(Note: Hetaoping means Walnut Plain. Pitiaohe means Leather Strip River.)
June 27th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I have just read that ” US Zoos make major donation to China’s Giant Pandas.
$ 165,000 to support post-earthquake recovery effort .”
June 27th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Dear Whomever was on the Panda Camera between 4:30 and 5:15 Pacific time June 27th!
GREAT CAMERA WORK OF BAI AND ZHEN!!!! WHAT A TOTAL TREAT TO WATCH!!! For those of you who missed the fun…Bai was on the hut attempting to nap. Zhen was rolling around all over her mom’s right back leg. Eventually, Bai got down. Her daughter rolled all around the hut by herself as Bai paced in circles. At one point Bai pulled her daughter off the log next to the hut! Zhen rolled all around. Zhen found a small bit of bamboo and climbed back up onto a log. Bai took the bamboo from her daughter. Zhen then began rolling around on the ground close by her mom. Bai leaned back and ‘trapped’ Zhen who then had to squirm out from under Bai. Absolutely priceless 45 minutes!!! Oh to have been there with the camera
To9 think that little miss ’stick of butter’ will be 11 months old on July 3rd!!!! We are so blessed to have the SDZ Panda Cam to give us moments every day of Lotsafun!!!
June 27th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
ZA reports today they have hired 2 additional staff members for their annual pregnancy watch – a keeper will watch during the night – they are hopeful for a cub this summer. They also mentioned their pandas stayed inside during the rain which they hate (unlike Mei Sheng & SuLin who seemed to love it.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Candy #36–Please thank Wang Jing for his information about Shi Shi, and shame on Long Sheng for not respecting the ” old gentleman.” Perhaps it is difficult for two adult males to coexist peacefully, even with such an age disparity?
June 28th, 2008 at 9:24 am
P. Wong #39, as always a marvellous poem, but this time I was really touched picturing Gao Gao singing this tune thinking of his panda fellows in his homeland, sob….
June 28th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
At last, I’ve managed to catch Bai and ZZ on the cam. Friday ZZ was insisting on a feed and today (Saturday) I tuned in to the most magnificent wrestling match. I think Bai won. Then they wandered off into the sunset, and it was sweetie Su Lin’s turn. Made my day.
June 28th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Enjoyed seeing Bai and Zhen together a lot today (Saturday). Su Lin is looking so much like her mom and is getting so big. She must find it harder to climb to some of her old favorite spots in the trees.
Please let us know when you find out where Mei Sheng and Hua Mei are now located in China and if they still have their same caretakers. Forgive me if this has been posted and I just overlooked it.
June 28th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Hi, you all! I got on the Pandas International website and also got their email newsletter tonite. Susan Braden, PI director, wrote a very good update article about her trip to Wolong, China, that was very detailed. The update also included some pics that she took while she was there, and she was accompanied by the NBC news crew that did the story about the panda situation at Wolong. The trip to Wolong that she described was pretty bad due to the fact that they had to take a very long way around to get to Wolong since the roads that would have taken them directly there are still severely damaged and the one bridge is still out. They started that part of the trip after they landed at Chengdu from Beijing using 4 wheel drives. It took them about 14 hours to finally get to Wolong reserve center. The pics of the damage to Wolong center says it all, folks! I certainly do agree with the Wolong director and other people there that there is just NO WAY that they can rebuild that reserve center in that area again just from looking at those pics. Hope you all will get a chance to get on the PI website to read this and take a look at the pics. This article by Susan Braden really says it all! Some of the pics are of the pandas that are still there being cared for by the Wolong staff, and there’s one pic of Susan hugging one of the panda cubs. Those pics will bring a smile to everyone’s faces!
To all of the ferret lovers, Georgia, the momma ferret that gave birth to one kit last Friday, has been doing an excellent job caring for her baby (NZ’s Front Royal, Virginia facility). Been watching them since day one off and on on the NZ website ferret cam, and this baby has done some growing during this week. Plus, the baby has grown alot more fuzzy white hair over the last 4-5 days. The baby is still blind, but this little guy can really get around the den pretty well just by scooting and crawling all over the place. Georgia has been very busy keeping up with her baby! Still don’t know if the baby is a boy or a girl yet. By the way, I checked a website about black footed ferrets, and the babies will start to get their black colors in about 3 weeks after birth, and their eyes will be open in about a month. If you all get a chance, get on the NZ website and click on the black footed ferret cam to see Georgia and the baby.
Gonna go to bed! Will check the pandacam tomorrow to see if I can catch little ZZ!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
June 29th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
At around 1:20-1:25 on Sunday afternoon, it looked like Bai chased Zhen away from the fresh bamboo that had just been brought out. Is this what happened? Bai and Zhen were together for a long time before the caretaker break. It was hard to see what was going on. Was Bai just bathing and playing with Zhen?
June 29th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
How Cute!! Just got to see ZZ high up in her tree. Am not able to catch her activity much lately. Wish I could have seen her earlier today with mom! I am so thankful that our pandas are all so healthy and safe in their homes and my heart bleeds for Wolong and their santuary. The money mentioned in #40 will certainly go a long way in helping them to rebuild where ever they feel it will be more safe and protected from such a tragic earthquake.
June 29th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
From what I’ve read Pandas are being evauated from Wolong & being shipped all over China. Sadly, according to reports their keepers are not with them in a lot of cases. These keepers risked their lives to save the pandas and now their pandas are gone along with their jobs. One reports states the pandas are having to learn Mandarin commands from their new keepers. How sad for these dedicated staff members.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:56 am
An addition to my comment #48:
It looked like Bai was sitting on Zhen, but it was hard to tell for sure.
You weaned Su Lin after you saw Bai sitting on her. Would Zhen being so precocious cause her to be weaned earlier than usual?
July 1st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Hi, you all! I hope that a lot of you pandafans had a chance to get on the National Zoo website’s panda page to read the two newest updates about Mei Xiang’s pregnancy watch and the new info about Wolong. The NZ update dated June 26 talks about Mei Xiang’s hormone levels. Her urinary progestins have increased over the last week, and she’s now in her second rise of her luteal phase. They expect further increases over the next month in progestin levels and anticipating that something will happen at around late July whether it’s a pregnancy or a pseudopregnancy. An updated chart is included with the update. NZ also had the June 30th update about Wolong and donations. NZ has gotten word that most of the Wolong pandas have been moved to Ya’an and other facilities as landslides and safety risks due to the heavy rains still remain a threat. Also, NZ staff will be going to China later this year to help in the recovery efforts. I hope that some of the panda staff from SDZ will be joining them. The more help that Wolong can get, the better! Another piece of great news from the NZ update is that the AZA and the Giant Panda Conservation Foundation has made a $165,000 donation to the China Wildlife Conservation Association to support the post earthquake panda conservation efforts. I’m sure that SDZ, AZ, and NZ, as well as other zoos in the US, all had a huge part in this large donation! Elisa in Brazil, you heard that news right, girlfriend! Now you and everyone else knows the details of that large donation! Praying that there will be alot more of that coming and then some!!
Just got on the pandacam for the first time late tonite, and I saw the rear end of Bai Yun on the stump sleeping; no sign of little ZZ, so she’s probably asleep somewhere.
Will keep praying for China and the pandas. China is about 35 days away from the start of the Beijing Olympics, and I’m hoping that the Chinese people, as well as the visitors to China, will be able to enjoy everything during those 3 weeks and try to put the earthquake disaster behind them for awhile. I’m sure that this will not be very easy to do this, but the Chinese will persevere and enjoy the Olympic atmosphere that will come only once in their lifetimes. They have a lot to look forward to, including visiting those 8 remarkable Wolong pandas at Beijing Zoo. They have worked very hard to get this event and get it organized over the past 7 years!
Gonna go!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:30 am
Chari – Read your bit about the baby ferret at the NZ the other day and went and had a look. What a cutie. So gorgeous. Thanks for all your info, it reminds me to go have a look.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
Hello panda lovers,
There is a wonderful new video of Mei Lan tackling the ” punching bag” enrichment item, uploaded over the last couple of days. There are actually about 3 videos, but the most entertaining one is the one that goes on for more than 5 minutes. You should get to it if you sign on to youtube and search for ” Mei Lan” and ” punching bag. ” You can really see how much of daddy Yang’s playfulness she has inherited. Enjoy everyone.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 am
HK, MACAO CHIEFS VOW SUPPORT FOR QUAKE ZONE
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-29 09:01
CHENGDU – Chief Executives of Hong Kong and Macao pledged here Saturday that the two special administrative regions (SAR) governments will help rebuild the earthquake-hit Sichuan Province in various ways.
Hong Kong will focus its assistance on the construction of public and infrastructure facilities, including schools, hospitals, sanatoria and rehabilitation centers for the handicapped, roads and bridges, Chief Executive Donald Tsang told a press conference.
Hong Kong will also participate in rebuilding the breeding base of endangered giant pandas at the WOLONG NATURE RESERVE, he said.
” There’s no time to delay in rebuilding the disaster-hit areas. I will consult with the Legislative Council about how to render help as soon as I return to Hong Kong,” he said.
Construction of public and infrastructure facilities in Sichuan will also be the focus of Macao’s aid, Macao Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah said.
” The Macao SAR government will allocate special fund in its next five years’ budget to help rebuild Sichuan,” Ho said.
In the near future, Macao will organize tour groups to visit Sichuan to help the province’s tourism recover, and encourage more businesses to invest in Sichuan, he said.
According to the two chief executives, Hong Kong and Macao will respectively set up a coordination mechanism with Sichuan to implement the rebuilding plan.
Government delegations led by Tsang and Ho arrived in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, Friday evening for a three-day trip.
The delegations visited Pengzhou and Dujiangyan on Saturday.
In Pengzhou’s Tongji Township Middle School, where more than 2,000 children were studying in prefab houses, the two chief executives entered a classroom and expressed the sympathy of the Hong Kong and Macao people to those affected in the quake.
” The hearts of the Hong Kong and Macao people are always linked with you people in Sichuan. We will do our best to support you in rebuilding your beautiful homes,” Ho said.
The 8.0-magnitude quake centered in Sichuan’s Wenchuan County on May 12 left more than 80,000 people dead or missing and millions homeless. More than 14,000 aftershocks have been reported after the quake, with the strongest measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale.
Hong Kong has donated more than HK$2.1 billion (US$273 million) to the quake-hit areas, and Macao has donated 450 million patacas (US$54 million) in cash and more than 20 million patacas worth of relief supplies.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:38 am
HONG KONG ISSUES SPECIAL PANDA STAMPS FOR RELIEF IN QUAKE-HIT SICHUAN
2008-07-01 23:23:12
HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) — Hongkong Post issued a set of special stamps of the giant pandas here Tuesday to raise fund for relief efforts in rebuilding the giant panda base in earthquake-devastated southwest China’s Sichuan Province.
A total of 1,375,000 HK dollars (about 176, 282 U.S. dollars) was raised Tuesday at a sale of limited edition prestige stamp products with a giant panda paw print.
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
#54 pandafan – I was lucky enough to catch the end of MeLan’s ” punching bag” fun live but had no idea she played with it for so long. You’re right, she has daddy Yang’s goofy personality.
ZA reported today that hormone results from Lun Lun’s urine samples last week indicated that she might have entered a period of increasing progestins. Samples have been sent to the NZ for assay.
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Multimedia
Mei Lan photo gallery
Video of Lun Lun and Mei Lan
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July 3rd, 2008 at 7:36 am
Hello to all
Referring to the comment of #54 pandafan , the video in youtube is ” Mei Lan – A Chip Off the Old Block!! ” ,
and don’t miss the real-life Kung Fu Panda , just search ” Yang Yang – ” My Guy” ”
and ” Yang Yang – Da Big Guy Does It Again! ”
Enjoy !
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:59 am
#43 – Frances – I will certainly pass on your thanks to Wang Jing in my next email. I also think that having the two males together would not be a natural situation and could cause many problems. However, I kind of ” walk on eggshells” when chatting with Wang as I am afraid of sounding disrespectful which I certainly don’t want to be to my friend. (You know – different countries; different cultures.) He included pictures with his email, but I have not been able to open them for some reason. Perhaps they will give me an idea of the living situation after I figure out how to see them. He knows how loved Shi Shi is by many here in the states and is just a great friend to keep us posted.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 am
wishing all the panda family a safe and Happy 4th of July enjoy the three days off. getting off early today
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Happy 4th of July to all my South of the Border Panda friends….. Be safe and have a great weekend.
Do the Panda’s get a nice big red white and blue ice treat???
Sure have enjoyed some great shots of all of the bears in the past few days, thanks so much to the meerkats for your awesome work…. We’d be lost without ya…
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
#57 Maureen in Michigan and #58 C-W-T
There are at least 5 versions of the Mei Lan and punching bag episode on youtube.com. Some are shorter than others but they are all worth watching over and over. We all need a bit of cheering up and some encouragement to ‘hang in there’ and our princess Mei Lan provides both in good measure!! What a trooper she is!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Ok, pandafans! Now it’s Atlanta Zoo’s turn to update us about Lun Lun and her hormone levels. AZ has a new update from July 2, 2008, on their panda update page along with a chart. Apparently, Lun Lun has started to go into her second luteal phase since tests has been showing that her progestin levels have been increasing. They sent a urine sample to National Zoo for an assay analysis to determine if that is the case, and also determine the window of if and when she is pregnant as well as determine a possible birth of a cub. Lun Lun had 2 AIs done on April 21, so they will probably expect the end of this phase at around late July/early August (40-50 days). They will keep us updated as soon as they get the test results back from NZ and other data that they will be getting in the next week.
Also, Pandas International has also written another update report from Susan Braden a couple of days ago. This report also has a lot of pictures of the damage, the tent city, and a panda in a tree. She wrote about how the town of Wolong has been turned into a tent city among the devastation around them. The Wolong Center staff are living in those tents along with the regular residents of Wolong. They are trying to make the best of this situation with the summer heat and rainy season upon them. She also reported about the pandas that were moved over the last month, talking with Dr. Li about their situation, and the donations of tents, food, and other supplies coming in despite the fact that some of the roads are still damaged and dangerous to drive on. Susan and Dr. Li took a long tour of the center, and she got a real good look at what had happened during that earthquake. If you all get a chance, get on the PI website to read this report. Susan will be getting another report out in a few days which will also be about Wolong, the people, and the pandas. She also said that despite the much harder living conditions, the Chinese people never lost their spirit of hospitality and generosity to others. They were very helpful to Susan and to the NBC crew that were there with her for a few days doing the report about the pandas by offering food to them and places to sleep at nite under the tents. You can bet that Susan Braden and the NBC people were overwhelmed at this gesture knowing how difficult conditions are for the Chinese right now. All of us Americans can learn something about that from the Chinese people!
Got on the pandacam hoping to catch little Miss ZZ. The cam was aiming at a big tree branch, but no ZZ on it! She must have moved on to another favorite spot! I’m like the rest of you; trying to catch ZZ on the cam is like finding a tiny needle in a huge haystack! Cam people, keep on looking for ZZ! We will try to get on the cam to see her as much as we can hopefully at the right time. You all are doing a pretty good job just trying to see where she ends up at. When is the best time to catch ZZ on the cam? Anybody have a good idea??
Well, not much else to say. Again, try to get on the PI website to read this latest report from Susan Braden. It does say alot!
Love to all the pandas,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Oh yeah, I almost forgot this one! HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, SDZ AND WAP! Have a great day, celebrate in a safe way, and just enjoy it with family and friends! Hope you all can watch some fireworks, but knowing the dry, drought conditions in California along with the fire danger, you may not have those displays this year.
Enjoy the day!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Thank you Candy #36 for sharing your email from your friend Wang Jing. It is always good to hear anything about Shi Shi.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Thanks, Candy #59.
And thanks all who directed us to the Yang Yang and Mei Lan videos. They make the SDZ pandas look positively laid back by comparison. Thanks, solshih, for all the news from China, and Chari Mercier, our human Panda Readers Digest.
And thanks, Meerkats, for the amazing shots of Miss ZZ, Bai Yun and Su Lin–my screen capture file is growing and growing.
Happy and safe 4th to all!
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Chari,
Thanks for all the PI summaries as I am a PI supporter and you do a great job in summarizing. In reading them, however, I can’t help but notice that you kept mentioning Suzanne’s name as Susan. I hope I am not overstepping my boundaries but in due respect to her, please kindly address her as Suzanne in the future. Thank you so much for your understanding. Take care and have a great Independence Day everyone!
July 4th, 2008 at 12:18 am
To all you animal lovers out there, have a great Fourth of July. Have fun.
July 4th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Hi, Susan Harrison! You’re not overstepping your boundaries at all! I was going to write about this today! For some reason I was thinking of Suzanne as Susan, and my brain just got stuck on that! MY BAD!! I do apologize about that! I will try to remember her name–Suzanne Braden! I guess that my brain thought that it was easier to write the name Susan down! Anyway, thanks for reminding me about that! I hope that you are reading Suzanne’s reports on the PI website. I find them very informative and those pics that she took are just both breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time. Those pics do say alot without having to write anything down!
To all of you that have mentioned the video about Mei Lan and the punching bag, I saw that video and it was very funny! Mei was having the time of her life with that hanging bag, even going as far as climbing her teepee logs to try to pull that bag up with her mouth! The funniest part of the video was the end of it when she went to the back window to look and see what was coming next, then went boom on her back! The caption at the end said, ” I’m pooped!! Thanks fer wachin!” That was fun to watch! We all knew that she had a spunky side to her anyway ever since she was a baby just learning how to walk! She’ll be 2 years old this September! Tai Shan and Su Lin will both turn 3 years old in August! WOW!!! These bears are really growing up, aren’t they?
Got a huge question to all of the panda keepers at all 4 zoos, and I hope that they can give us some idea of an answer to this when they can. What are the plans for Tai Shan, Mei Lan, and Su Lin as far as sending them to China after they all turn 4 years old? Also, with the 8 adult pandas that are in our 4 zoos that are on current loans from China, what are the plans about sending them back to China? With all of the damage done to Wolong Panda Center and some of the other reserves from the earthquake and the other reserves holding alot of the Wolong pandas right now, I’m thinking that China would like to hold off sending the pandas in the US back to China for at least 2-3 years until Wolong gets rebuilt, getting the Wolong pandas back to their home from Chengdu and Bifengxia, and getting things together to make room for the returning pandas from the US. I know that may be a long way off, but I feel that with the situation in Sichuan Province as it is now, the pandas at our 4 zoos should stay here for another couple of years until things are better in China. I know that SDZ and NZ have been working with Wolong, Atlanta and Memphis Zoos are working with Chengdu. I’m sure that there will be alot of meetings and conference calls about this situation for the next several months. Plus, if Lun Lun and Mei Xiang both have baby cubs this summer, that will automatically keep them here in the states for at least 2 more years anyway so that they can take care of their cubs without any upsets. There’s alot of scenarios that you all will be thinking about, so I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers as you work with your Chinese colleagues about this, and keep taking very good care of all of the pandas. Keep us all posted and updated about all of this, ok? We will appreciate it alot!
Have a very nice 4th of July with families and friends! Try to stay cool, too!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 4th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Conversation with Gao Gao #37
Gao Gao: Step 1, step 2, step 3…
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
G: Oh, hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: Looks like you’re involved in some activity again.
G: Huh?
T: You’re practicing something?
G: Not really.
T: But aren’t you getting ready for the Wolong Earthquake Relief Fund benefit event.
G: Well, yes. In a way…
(back in Mei Sheng’s restaurant kitchen)
Mei Sheng: How does this taste?
Hua Mei: Not bad.
M: So what else is in the recipe?
H: Imitation bamboo rat.
M: Imitation bamboo rat?
H: Yup.
M: Where do you think we should get that?
H: Wherever we got the imitation bamboo grub.
M: Oh, that’s right. Mail order item…
H: You don’t suppose Daddy-O Gao Gao would send us more recipes?
M: I sure hope so. He’s got some great exotic recipes.
H: Yeah. A broad palate.
M: Yeah. He really appeals to local and international tastes.
July 4th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Thanks for all the panda lovers around the world. Your donations and voluntary work can really hasten the pace of re-building another panda reserve centre in Sichuan. Hong Kong people will continue to lend a hand in protecting the wild animals in Sichuan and rebuilding the panda reserve centre. Ocean Park in Hong Kong, a home of four giant pandas with their birthplace in Wolong, has already donated HK$ 1 million to the panda relief fund. We hope Hong Kong people will contribute more.
July 5th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
To MeerKats: I too have had a blast watching the grand video moments of the STARS. Your camera work is fantastic!!! Thanks So Much!!!
To Cheri Mercer: I have to tell you again how much I love your updates!!! I get such a kick out of them because after I have read the information on the multiple sites you have read, your updates, and this is a COMPLIMENT, become for me, the Cliff Notes of Pandadom!!! Your enthusiasm is infectious!!! Thanks!
To P Wong: Your ‘conversations’ are so marvelous!!! Bamboo rat???? Yucky! Even imitation
To All: Cisco Systems, the grand tech firm, (no I do not work for the company) has donated 45 million to aid Sechuan. Plus, the news from China via news today is that 75% of the residents in Sechuan now are living in pre-fab housing. Folks, that has been accomplished in less than TWO months! This is what can be done with a government which is motivated and world help.
To Susan in UK: Have you come to the SDZ yet??? Or are you on the way??? Am looking forward to your report of total JOY!!!
To all: The punching bag video of Mei Lan is hilarious!!! Thanks to those of you who mentioned it!!!
July 6th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Good news!! I found this in Sina.com this morning.
” Giant panda Guo Guo, an evacuee from the southwest China earthquake, gave birth to twins on Sunday, becoming the first panda to bear cubs since the disaster in Sichuan Province on May 12.
She is also the first panda to give birth around the globe this year.
The elder of the two cubs weighed in at 170 grams.
Guo Guo was among the six pandas evacuated from the quake-hit China Giant Panda Research Center in Hetaoping base of the Wolong nature reserve to neighboring Ya’an City in Sichuan last month, as the center is still prone to quake-related geological disasters. “
July 6th, 2008 at 8:36 am
How wonderful everyone is pulling together in the China disaster, it certainly restores our faith in humankind at a time when we need it!! I hope this is not off the topic but I met another Pandaholic yesterday at the DQ, she noticed my Panda seatcovers in the car and declared them ” awesome!” She was a stranger but in a matter of minutes we were chirping away about the zoos, pandacams, and perhaps two new babies this month! I smiled the rest of the evening thinking about the ‘community of Panda’ and how it can even bring strangers together…I believe she was a traveler so we will not meet again but it was a lovely moment!
July 6th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Maybe they can fake some panda photos to raise money like they did with the tiger. I do believe seven officials were forced to resign, including the head of the Forestry Dept. Remember, when you post requests for donations, you are LINKED.
July 6th, 2008 at 11:02 am
With happy tears, I just saw a CNN video about 1 of the relocated quake pandas – giving birth to TWINS!!! The narrative is in Chinese (I think). Perhaps one of our wonderful bi-lingual panda lovers could give us a translation?
There was a shot of panda baby in incubator – this is good news for the survival of both (glad there was an incubator available and power for it). I do wonder where they are, but am just so thrilled to hear and see the good news. May there be many more such good news reports this summer/fall for panda lovers!!!
July 6th, 2008 at 11:32 am
at the cnn website there is a video…a quake panda gave birth to twins…the video was in chinese so i don’t know anything else…what a good girl
July 6th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Just saw the great news that Guo Guo from Wolong just gave birth to twins. She survived being transported to Bifengxia. We can hope that this increases hope for other pregnant pandas at Wolong when the earthquake hit. One cub is over 6 ounces, but they haven’t been able to weigh the second one because Guo Guo is still cuddling it. Sounds like another wonderful mother.
July 6th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Sunday, July 6, 2008 – heard on the news this morning that one of the pandas that was rescued after the May 12 earthquake has given birth to twins!! I believe her name is Gao Gao. The newscast also indicated that when the staff tried to switch the twins, Gao Gao refused to let go of the one she was holding – so sweet, eh? This is wonderful heartwarming news after all the recent tragic circumstances. Let’s continue to pray for the other panda mothers-to-be in China – for successful pregnancies and the well-being of the cubs to come. And, of course, for our potential panda mothers-to-be in North America and everywhere else in the world where they are fortunate enough to have these sweet, gentle, and adorable creatures.
July 6th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Correction to my previous post regarding the new twin cubs born in China – the panda mother’s name is ” Guo Guo” , not Gao Gao as I indicated. My apologies for any confusion.
July 6th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Some wonderful news frpm China – Panda Displaced by Quake Gives Birth to Twins
By VOA News
06 July 2008
A 12-year-old giant Panda displaced by the massive earthquake that rocked China’s Sichuan province in May has giveN birth to twins.
Chinese state media report Guo Guo is the first panda to give birth since the quake, and the first panda to give birth this year.
Officials say they were able to examine one of the cubs, and that it weighs just 170 grams.
July 6th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Hi I hope all the panda lovers had a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend. I heard this evening on the news that one of the panda that was moved from Wolong just had a set of twins. This news is wonderful I hope there are many more panda babies on the way.
July 6th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
CHINA EXPRESSES APPRECIATION FOR INT’L QUAKE-RELIEF AID
2008-06-30
BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) — China is grateful to the support and assistance provided by the international community for its quake-relief efforts, the State Council said in a proclamation on Monday.
An 8-magnitude earthquake hit Wenchuan, in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, at 2:28 p.m. (0628 GMT) on May 12, 2008, causing enormous losses of life and property, the proclamation said.
It said that when the Chinese people were suffering the catastrophe, the international community voiced sincere sympathy and condolences and provided support and assistance in various forms, which fully embodies the nobility of humanitarianism and the friendship to the Chinese people.
” The Chinese government and people express their heartfelt thanks to all the governments, institutions, individuals, international organizations and overseas Chinese that have extended profound sympathies and provided valuable assistance to us,” said the proclamation.
The international community’s help and support played an active role in China’s quake-relief efforts, which have won an initial victory, it added.
” We firmly believe that with the concerted efforts of the people of the whole country and the continuous support from the international community, the people in the afflicted areas are surely able to beat the disaster and rebuild their beautiful homes,” the proclamation said.
According to the State Council Information Office, the death toll of the earthquake stood at 69,195 as of midday Monday.
July 6th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
P Wong, you did it again! Your conversations are really good, and this one was funny, especially the conversation between Hua Mei and Mei Sheng! Keep them coming, ok?
Hope everyone had a nice 4th holiday weekend. Been praying for everyone that are being affected by the wildfires in both northern and southern California. Sounds like the fire season has just gotten a lot longer for you all! I do hope that the southern fire is no where near San Diego this time around! Plus, I heard on the Weather Channel that California will be in a heat wave sometime this week, which will be tough on the firefighters, people, and the animals. Just do your best to stay cool and keep the animals cooled down, ok? You all do a great job at SDZ and WAP taking very good care of all of the animals in all kinds of weather!
I also hope that the people of Hong Kong will continue to donate to the earthquake relief effort. I don’t know what HK $1 million translates to in US dollars, but that is a very good amount to start with! Keep it up, Hong Kong!
Gonna go! Didn’t get on the pandacam tonite because it’s just too dark to see anything on the cam. Will check it tomorrow. BYE!!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 6th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Hi Chari,
Thanks for your understanding!
Hope it is not too hot in St. Pete. Dunno how far are you from Wildwood, but I have a friend there. She’s a retired educator from CA and an avid animal lover, especially cats.
You are so right about PI’s pictures. I just wish I can be there to help, I feel so restless about it……
As for the pandas in the US and China’s situation, one would only hope and think the logical thing to do is to keep the pandas here in the US until situation is stable and the new center is built, let’s hope and pray that!
To P. Wang #39, I love the song sung by Bai Yun and Gao Gao to the tune of Edelweiss. It was very cute and touching as we know the Panda Research Center in Heh Tao Ping will never be the same again! Wonder why they call it walnut plain, do you know?
Hope everyone had a nice 4th of July. It will be hot here in N. CA starting Monday. Yikes, I hate the heat!
July 7th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Hurrah, hurrah, I just read in Google panda that the 12 year old Guo Guo from Wolong gave birth to twins. Apparently Guo Guo was relocated to the city of Ya’an after the Wolong earthquake. Mother and children seem sto be alright. After all the horrible things which the people of Wolong had to endure at least there is some highlight! And what could be more enlightening than the birth of panda twins?
July 7th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Wonderful news out of China! CNN reporting on Sunday that one of the pregnant pandas rescued from Wolong has given birth to twin cubs. I saw the video over the weekend on their website and she just delivered while the cameras were rolling. It was so casual looking I had to laugh. I believe they said her name was Guo Guo, and that she’s 12 years old.
July 7th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Great news – the Washington Post picked up an AP article; Beijing announced that the first of the relocated pandas from Wolong has given birth. Twelve-year old Guo Guo gave birth to twins on Sunday at Bifengxia!!!
July 7th, 2008 at 8:15 am
What great news to see that Panda twins were born yesterday to Guo Guo, who was sent to Bifengxia after the earthquake. One birth down and hopefully a lot more to come.
July 7th, 2008 at 8:31 am
The miracle of life ……
***Report from MSNBC***
One of the giant pandas relocated from Wolong Nature Reserve Giant Panda Center, has given birth!
Twelve year old ” Guo Guo” who was relocated to Bifengxia Center in Ya’an, gave birth to twins on Sunday, July 6, 2008. Initial reports states that one cub weighed 6 oz.
( For photos of cubs & mother, go to msnbc’s Web site.)
July 7th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Twins born at Wolong……yahoo news, videos
What a great day!!!
July 7th, 2008 at 9:36 am
John # 75
Please explain. I don’t know what your referring to.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Fantastic news about Guo Guo and her twins. Not fantastic news about a heatwave – I hate the heat too!
Bobbie Wood – So nice of you to remember me. I’m coming over with my daughter this coming Friday. Still haven’t packed, though it’s all ready. Not looking forward to an 11 hour plane trip, so boring. I still remember what you said about the tree and the peacocks!! I can’t wait to meet those gorgeous pandas and polar bears for breakfast.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:03 am
To all of you who have loved our wonderful Shi Shi…The following email from my friend, Wang Jing, is heartbreaking even tho we knew the time would come. Our beloved old gentleman has passed away. I am so sad and really need to grieve, but knew I needed to send the following email to you. Please pray for his happiness. Candy
—————————————————
Dear Candy,
‘m thinking whether I should tell you a really bad news or not. This Monday moring when I went back to work, I was told that Shi Shi has passed away. He died on Saturday night 20:20pm ,July 5 2008. What a tragedy! He has gone peacefully,we all pray for him in heaven, and hope him will live happily and healthy in heaven forever.
Last time I sent you those pictures should use ” Winrar” -a software to compress photos in a package. Also to use Winrar to release it, so that you could see those photos.
I am sorry to hear you moved out because of the flood. I do hope everything were fine in your house soon. southeast China is surffering from flood risk too, here in Guangzhou, it keep rainging for more than a month time, few sunshine. the rivers are facing challenges too.
Also I have a good news to tell you. ON July 6, a Panda in Ya’an, Sichuan was give birth to a twins. Guo Guo is the first Panda who give birth in 2008. here I have some photos.
ok, Please don’ t be too sad and please take good care of yourself. Let’s pray for all Giant Pandas in the world. May all Pandas live happily and healthy!
yours sincerly,
Wang Jing
Moderator’s note: We’ll see if we can find out any more information about Shi Shi. Thank you, Candy!
July 7th, 2008 at 10:19 am
There could be no better news then the birth of these twins, what a better way to lift everyones spirits. With all the death and destruction around us a positive sign of good things to come.
July 7th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Susan, since I’m getting to go to Tai Shan’s big birthday party in Washington and will be away for awhile, I just want to wish you and your daughter a wonderful trip to San Diego this weekend. Please give each of the pandas a big New York hug for me — even if only symbolically. You are so lucky and we hope you’ll share your experiences with us.
July 7th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Susan (UK)…. You must be so excited to be going to SDZ… One piece of advice, ” have your camera ready when you come around the corner at the Panda Exhibit” …. We will all be waiting for your reports
I second everyones sentiments on here about the birth of Guo Guo’s Twins… After so much death and destruction, two little lives are born, nothing can give us more hope for the survivial of the Panda Bear than these new arrivals.
John #75, first time I saw the pic of the Tiger it appeared quite ” fake” to me, not sure how it got past so many officials???
Just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the fire affected areas of California right now, lets hope for some cooler weather.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Thanks Meerkats for great closeup shots of Bai Yun and ZZ this afternoon. Bai is really giving ZZ’s lower parts a good bathing. Guess she doesn’t want any odors to be signaling her presence to intruders.
It is great to hear that the earthquake did not dramatically affect the birth of cubs. To hear that twins were born safe and sound at Bifengxia is very welcome news for all, especially the heroic keepers at Wolong!
July 7th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
During the afternoon of Independence Day, Zhen Zhen was nursing while Bai Yun was devouring bamboo with a piece in each of her front paws. What a show of independence by each of them. Neither was detracted by the activity of the other. Too cute!
July 7th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I agree with Mimi #98–that was one of my favorite moments too. The last couple of days they’ve had a lot of interaction, but I’ve seen more cleaning and playing than nursing. All too cute!
July 7th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
To All Panda Fans: If you go to Pandas International there will be a link for news about Guo Guo and video in english. However! If you go to you tube and type in panda twins and select ‘this week’ in the time frame area, you can see the BIRTH of one of Guo Guo’s babies!!! The broadcast is in Chinese but By Golly the video moment is spectacular!!!
To Susan # 93: I am so excited for you and your daughter!!!! We were at the SDZ today (7/7) and got there a little before 9:00. Su Lin was on her hut pretending to be asleep. Bai was awake and munching
However!!!! The Flamingo babies are out and about; nests still have eggs on them; I know you will see them all 
Have a wonderful flight and a fabulous trip!
and Zhen was up in her tree AWAKE. Today, we didn’t see the Peacocks
July 7th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
#85 Susan Harrison -
When I searched ” walnut sichuan” on Google, I found references that Sichuan is one of China’s major walnut producers. Then there was an article ” The land of abundance—-Before the Sichuan Earthquake” dated 5/21/2008 by Shuhong Wen on Ventura County Star news site. The article mentioned there were great quantities of walnut trees in a valley near Sichuan’s Beichuan city in summer of 2006, that the honey produced there smelled like walnut flowers. So it could be possible that Hetaoping is just a popular name for a neat plot of land. Or perhaps the area formerly had large tracts of walnut trees? I’ve not been to Wolong so I don’t really know for sure.
July 7th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Thanks, Meerkats–right on cue, panda cam views of Little Miss Fluffy Butt nursing away on top of the little shelter.
July 7th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
More details on Guo Guo’s lineage, earthquake survival experiences, and travel to Bifengxia. Plus there are photos of one of her new babies.
www(dot)pandaclub(dot)net(slash)%5Cview_e.jsp?tipid=1215407572105
July 7th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Hi all,
If the death of Shi Shi is true, how sad! I did not get to know him that well when he was in SD, but nevertheless, every panda is special, plus he sired our beloved Hua Mei! I know that he is in Heaven now probably munching on a whole new species of ” premium” bamboo with Mao Mao and all the pandas that have passed on before him.
Thanks P. Wang for the information on walnut production in Sichuan!
Moderator, please keep us informed for sure! Thank you much!
July 7th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
#94 Candy
Thank you for sharing the news, sad tho it be.
Shi Shi left a wonderful legacy to the giant panda world – Hua Mei and her kids.
I am honoured to have seen him twice – the first time at San Diego Zoo in May 2001 and the second time at Guangzhou Zoo in September 2007.
Rest in peace, dear Shi Shi.
July 7th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Candy #94. If Shi Shi has indeed passed away, that is very sad news, even though we all know he was very old. At least he had a good life.
Mary #96. Have a lovely time at Tai’s birthday party. I hope he gets lots of presents!!
Darlene #97. Our cameras are ready and raring to go. We’ve stocked up with loads of memory cards. My daughter will be doing the video and I’ll do the photos.
Bobbie #101. Flamingoes! Lovely. I’ve been watching flamingoes sitting on their nests on a webcam but the camera is so wobbly because of the wind that it makes me dizzy. I thought I saw a couple of babies, but they were so fuzzy. I love their ‘volcano’ nests. We are also going to go to Park at Dark.
It turns out my daughter’s chemistry teacher worked at SDZ for a while with the python so we have to say hello to that! What a small world.
We will be staying for 10 days so a lot of that will be spent at the Zoo, and one day at the Wildlife Park.
I was watching the NZ cam the other day, I don’t know which Panda it was but they were ‘asleep’ whilst holding a small bright green plastic crate and they were turning it round and round and playing with it.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Hi, you all! I just saw the news on CNN this morning about Guo Guo giving birth to twin baby pandas!! YEA!!!!!!!!! I was very happy to hear about that because no one knew how this severe earthquake was going to affect all of the female pandas that are supposedly pregnant on whether they would have their babies or not. Looks like Guo Guo just proved just how resilient these bears are after all because she just had her babies apparently within the last day or two. The cameraman did a great job getting very good closeups of the babies. They are soooooooo TINY!! Congrats to Guo Guo on becoming a new mom, and congrats to the Wolong staff for doing such a great job under some very tough circumstances in taking care of Guo and the other pandas! Guo Guo was one of the pandas that ran off right after the quake hit but was recaptured a few days later and brought back home. Is Guo Guo still at Wolong Reserve or is she at Bifengxia? I know that Pandas International sent a couple of brand new incubators to Bifengxia in the event of any female pandas having their babies. Looks like one of those incubators is in use now keeping one of the twins very warm and snug in a blanket. Hopefully, the other female pandas that are pregnant will have their babies, too! This is a very good sign from Guo Guo post earthquake.
Didn’t get on the cam just yet because I wanted to get on the comment page to write about this! Will check the cam later on. Now, I gotta go and do some laundry!
Love to Guo Guo and her new babies,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 8th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Mary (#96), have fun at NZ! Tai Shan will be 3 years old on July 9! Read an update about Tai a couple of days ago, and he’s up to 181 pounds! Getting close to his daddy Tian Tian’s weight! I also saw Mei Xiang in the den area on the NZ pandacam yesterday and taking a nap in there. Waiting for new updates on her hormone levels and any progress towards a possible pregnancy.
I just read some of the comments from July 7 and found out that Gua Guo is at Bifengxia, and that she had her twins on July 6. Thanks for the info, pandafans! Looks like MSNBC News also got the story about Guo Guo’s twins as well! That’s a good thing because this is great news that needs to be spread around the world!
Then, I read about Shi Shi passing away! WOW!!! From great news to sad news all in one day! I hope the SDZ staff can confirm this about Shi Shi, but I will send my condolences to all of the keepers at the zoo that Shi Shi has lived at the last several years. With his age at over 30, this was bound to happen but no one can really get ready for this kind of an event. Shi Shi can rest in peace in panda heaven along with Mao Mao and the other pandas that have passed on. He was a lovely old gent!
Well, I have to get going to do that laundry! I’m also praying for everyone in north and south California that are being affected by these wildfires. I heard that the large one near Big Sur was intentionally set. That is very sad to hear, and I hope that this person is caught and severely punished to the fullest extent of the law. I’m also praying for better weather so that the firefighters and National Guard can get these fires contained and under control. This heat wave and low humidity that you all are having does not help in fighting wildfires at all! Stay cool and safe, you all!
Bye,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: Susan Harrison, it does get hot here in St. Pete, Florida! We get temps in the high 80s/low 90s every day of the week from May thru September until that first cold front comes thru sometime in October. Plus, we do get those almost every day afternoon thunderstorms to try to cool things down somewhat, but it just makes the high humidity even worse sometimes! My A/C is constantly running all summer long! Plus, we are in hurricane season on the Atlantic side, and we’ve been tracking Hurricane Bertha. Fortunately, this hurricane will not get close to us! Thought I’d let you know how our weather is down this way! Bye!
July 8th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Condolences to all at SDZ and those who knew and loved Shi Shi. I have seen him on Youtube, a lovely senior panda. Then the news of the first babies of the season….such mixed feelings, but the circle of life goes on, all us Pandaholics are praying for at least 2 healthy babies in the states this summer, and of course for all the expectant moms in China, they have had such a stressful time. Thanks again to the SDZ staff for keeping us up to date on all Panda matters, and the great contributors to this blog, I wish we could ship some of our PA rain to CA and help you guys out!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
PAWS UP IF YOU’RE A MIRACLE PANDA
Daily Mirror Web site
8/07/2008
Stop, stop, it tickles! A newborn panda cub wriggles around as a worker at an animal centre in China gives it a health check.
This 6oz cub, no bigger than a hand, is one of twins that were born after their mum Guo Guo was moved from a reserve in Sichuan when the province was hit by an earthquake that killed 70,000.
Mum and babies are doing well at their new home. She’s so proud she keeps carrying the twins around in her mouth to show them off.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
My sincere sympathy to everyone who loved Shi Shi. And congratulations to all who played a role (no matter how small) in the birth of Guo Guo’s beautiful twins. As Francie Bowers said above, ” the circle of life goes on.” But if it weren’t for the cooperation and contributions of so many, it very well might be going on without pandas.
Video of Guo Guo giving birth, the new cubs and other super cute footage can be found at National Geographic dot org. Search there for ” Quake Panda Gives Birth”
Go to Yahoo News and search for Guo Guo. The slide show has several photos of the new cubs. Enjoy!
July 8th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
My sincere condolences to everyone at SDZ on the passing of Shi Shi. He was a grand old gentleman, and I’m sure he’s very happy roaming the bamboo forests of Heaven. He has left the world such a wonderful legacy with Hua Mei and her babies; his spirit will live on in her and all her precious offspring. And THEIR offspring! God bless you, Shi Shi.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Dear Panda Friends,
How sad I am about the upward trip to Panda Heaven for Shi Shi. A Long Life Lived Well and progeny ensured by the SDZ and his very loving care in China is the way to be humbled and greatful for Shi Shi’s time on this Earth. Could all on this planet head to Heaven in the same manner.
Bless Shi Shi and those who love him.
He has been imortalized in the childrens book: The Panda Who Would Not Eat. I, personally, loved the book.
I think it could still be ordered at the SDZ online shopping site. This book is perfect for 1st grade students to read on their own and perfect for parents and grandparents to read to All their Children
Moderator’s note: The book is available from our online store, shopzoo.com at http://www.shopzoo.com/shopzoo.cgi?cmd=item&query_cat=Books&query_subcat=Children%27s+Books&id=1599604
July 8th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
The latest news from China is that the new breeding/research center will be built at Huangcaoping. Does anyone know where that is and how far is it from Hetaoping, its former location?
Also, any updates or cause of death on beloved Shi Shi?
Moderator’s note: We are still waiting for confirmation.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
So sad to hear about Shi Shi’s death. Where did everyone read about it? I haven’t been able to find information about it.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Candy thanks for sharing the sad news about Shi Shi. I was looking forward to your friend’s latest pictures of him. Hopefully they can still be sent and shared. He was a venerable old man for sure.
I just read. on the Memphis Zoo panda keeper page, an interesting, albeit sad account of the devastation of the Wolong National Reserve and the major home of the 1500 or so wild pandas.
” 7/7/2008 Wolong Nature Reserve and YaYa Update
For those of you unfamiliar with the Wolong National Nature Reserve, it is a protected area in the Sichuan Province that houses over 4,000 different species including more than 150 pandas. In 1980, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda was created inside the Wolong reserve. This facility allowed researchers to conduct extensive breeding research with the giant pandas and has yielded 66 panda cubs. The 8.0 magnitude earthquake that hit this area devastated the research center. With the damaged incurred by the earthquake along with fear of what damage aftershocks may add, it was determined that the research center would not be able to rebuild in its current location.
The 63 pandas, who once called the Wolong research facility home, have been moved to temporary homes until rebuilding can occur. The pandas diets have been adjusted due to the damaged and destruction of the bamboo in the Wolong reserve. Forestry officials estimate that 80 percent of the giant pandas habitat has been destroyed. This is not good news for the 1,500 pandas living in the wild. Officials also estimate about two-thirds of the wild population has been/will be killed from either the earthquake itself or the destruction of their habitat.”
If 80 percent of the wild giant pandas habitat has been destroyed, and 2/3 of the wild population has been or will be killed from the earthquake and its after affects, that is an unfathomable setback to the conservation efforts on their behalf. It is not a situation that can easily be ” cured” by humans. The loss to bamboo seems to be one of the most devastating aspects of the continuing destruction.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Hi again! Decided to check the National Zoo website late tonite (after midnite EDT), and there are 2 new updates written on the panda pages. A regular update dated July 7 tells about Mei Xiang’s activities over the last few days (or lack of), her eating habits, sleeping habits, alot of good stuff that let’s all of us know that she is experiencing something going on inside of her. On the pregnancy watch panda page, the July 3 update was short but that chart with the update says a whole lot! Take notice of the blue line representing Mei Xiang’s progestin levels; that has gone sky high since the last update about a week ago! That’s telling me something, but I’ll wait and see what the NZ staff has to say about whether Mei Xiang is pregnant or not. Mei is also going thru her weekly ultrasounds, and the staff has added a 4-7 pm EDT pregnancy watch shift starting tomorrow (July 9). Also, tomorrow–July 9–will be Tai Shan’s third birthday! They plan on giving him a very nice ” cake” loaded with his favorite goodies! There’s a link on the panda page for everyone to send birthday wishes to him. In about a month, we will be doing the same thing for Su Lin, who will be 3 years old on August 2! Then, in September, it will be Zhen Zhen’s first birthday, and in Atlanta, Mei Lan’s 2nd birthday! Alot of panda birthdays coming up! In Atlanta, today’s update (July
let us know that Lun Lun is staying inside alot more often due to the hot weather there, plus she’s showing pretty much the same behaviors that Mei Xiang is going thru as well.
It looks like from reading the last couple of comments that the loss of Shi Shi has been pretty much confirmed. He’s in a great place with alot of other pandas that have passed on, tho. I’ll be checking the Nat Geo website and Yahoo News for the video and pics of Guo Guo’s twins.
Oh yeah, someone mentioned about the SDZ flamingo chicks doing well so far. Well, the National Zoo’s flamingo flock has been increased by 3 new chicks that hatched in late June. Been watching them on their flamingocam over the last week and a half, and these 3 chicks are now out of the nests and walking around pretty good, and growing! Best time to watch the flamingos is during daytime hours. The baby ferret has also been growing fast over the last 3 weeks or so. Momma Georgia has been a very good mom and has gotten the baby ferret over the first 2 weeks of life. The baby has a lot more fir, the ears are showing, and still waiting for the black markings to show up and the eyes to open up. It’s been a real treat to watch this little guy grow every time that I get on their ferret cam to check on the mom and baby.
Gonna go and get to bed. Will check the pandacam tomorrow!
Sweet dreams, pandas!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: Zhen Zhen will turn 1 on August 3.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Memphis Zoo, Panda keeper update, July 7—
Just checked the Memphis Zoo website before going to bed, and there was the July 7 update from them about Ya Ya and Wolong Reserve. I’ve been waiting on them to write something for awhile. They are also on board with the Wolong Earthquake Relief Fund and have a link for all of the Memphis residents to click on to make their donations thru their zoo website. Like I said, the more donation sites, the better for Wolong Reserve! The update says alot about Wolong, Guo Guo’s baby twins, and the situation there in general. Now about Ya Ya. This panda girl still has not shown any signs of estrus, and it’s way past breeding season. From what their update said, they think that Ya Ya wants to stay out of the limelight this year! Oh well, I was hoping for 3 pregnant panda moms this year, and it looks like that’s not gonna happen now. Unless Ya Ya decides to really surprise all of us later on! In case you are interested in reading their whole update, get on the Memphis Zoo website and click on the Panda Keeper Log link to get the July 7 update.
OK, now I’m done with all of the panda news for the nite! I am officially going to bed now!! Good nite to everyone and the pandas!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 9th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Just tuned in at 1am SDZ time and found Bai (I assume it’s her) sitting and enjoying her bamboo in the dark!! Also saw Guo Guo’s little babies – so squishy and cute.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Candy#94, thank you for the news about our beloved old gentleman.Please give Wang Jing our deepest sympathy. The last pictures I saw he looked so tired and old so I guess it was his time. As I cried when i heard the the sad news I also cried tears of happiness when I thought about the greatest gift he gave us, Hua Mei and look how much she has given us, 6 beautiful cubs. His legacy will live on for years to come. Shi Shi rest in peace honorable old gentleman, sweet dreams of panda home and plentiful bamboo.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I just read an excerpt from the China Daily that Guo Guo was one of the pandas that ” escaped” during the earthquake. Is that correct? If so, the birth of her twins is even more amazing.
Hopefully we will hear that Hua Mei has had babies this year also. It would be such a nice way to remember Shi Shi, since she is his daughter.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Oh…now I see the posting (#94) about Shi Shi. Just reading it, even with the brief details, got me all choked up. What a good old boy he was. May he rest in peace.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
NEW HOME PLANNED FOR QUAKE PANDAS
BBC, Tuesday, 8 July 2008 16:42 UK
Chinese officials have drawn up $300m (£150m) plans to rebuild a major panda reserve, which was badly damaged by the Sichuan province earthquake in May.
The quake flattened many of the caves used for shelter by the 150 or so pandas at the Wolong reserve.
Officials want to build a new research centre and a panda hospital, as well as repair damaged habitat.
Five staff and one panda were killed at the breeding centre during the tremors, and its research facility was wrecked.
National symbol
The quake also destroyed vast areas of vegetation, including the bamboo forest which the animals rely on for food.
Conservation officials want to rebuild the Wolong reserve in a completely different location and say the project will take seven years.
The new plans include a breeding laboratory and a disease control centre for the animals, which would be constructed in a different part of Sichuan.
BBC East Asia specialist Steve Jackson says pandas are widely loved in China and are seen as a national symbol, to be protected whatever the cost.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
The replacement for Wolong will be in Gengda. There are several articles. One is at www(dot)chinadaily(dot)com(dot)cn(slash)china(slash)2008-07(slash)09(slash)content_6830614.htm
July 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Hi, Moderator! Thanks for correcting me about ZZ’s birthday! I must have gotten her birthday mixed in with Mei Lan’s birthday in September, so now I know that ZZ’s B’day is on August 3rd. Will be looking forward to seeing pics and videos of her upcoming fabulous one year old birthday party!
I read a couple of comments about where the Wolong Reserve Center maybe rebuilt at. Will check the news article on the China Daily website to read more about it. Seven years is a pretty long time for getting the rebuilding done, but from what I just read about what they would like to see as far as the facilities to continue the research and conservation of the pandas, it makes sense to make sure that these buildings are built right and hopefully able to withstand earthquakes at magnitude 5 and above. Hope to see some pictures of that area that they are planning to build at. I’m so glad that the government of China, along with the people and their conservation organizations, are moving forward to get this started as soon as possible. It sounds like Chengdu, Bifengxia, and the other reserves will do their very best to take care of all of the pandas that have come in from Wolong until their new center is done. China is truly very committed to making sure that these bears are taken care of, sheltered, and fed during this rebuilding time. I’m also hoping that the research field crews can finally get up those mountains to do a wild panda count to see just how many wild pandas have actually survived the earthquake as well as how much damage to the bamboo crop there is up there. When I read that there maybe close to a third of the wild panda population out of 1600 that could have been killed in that quake, that just broke my heart. The Chinese people have worked so long and hard to keep these bears going as well as keep them from being extent, and this news has got to be distressing to them. Hopefully, we will get some idea of what has happened to the wild pandas and where they might have gone to since the quake.
I did see the pics of Guo Guo’s twins and the video of them being born. CUTE!!!!!!!!! Anybody know the latest on how the mom and babies are doing right now? On the news video, they showed the twin baby panda in one of the new incubators that Pandas International had shipped to China not more than 3 weeks ago. That was great timing on their part to get that incubator and the second one to Bifengxia before Guo had her babies.
Gonna go. Checking pandacam again!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 9th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Location of Huangcaoping is in Gengda Town in Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve according to People’s Daily article 16:45, April 21, 2008. Note that this construction was already planned before the great 5/12/2008 quake and was to have been completed by end of 2008. However, in light of quake events, completion dates apparently shifted some years.
People’s Daily article is here:
========
” Wolong to be home to largest Giant Panda Breeding base”
The world’s largest breeding base for giant pandas is expected to be completed at the year’s end in Wolong, Sichuan, according to the Administration Bureau of Wolong Nature Reserve on April 19th. By then, the new base will accommodate approximately 200 giant pandas and panda breeding.
Zhang Hemin, director of the Administration Bureau of Wolong Nature Reserve explained that the new base – construction kicked off on April 18th – is located in Huangcaoping, Gengda town, inside the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve. It covers an area of about one square kilometer, with an indoor feeding room, breeding nursery, feed processing zone, admission management area; as well as 20 wild giant panda feeding and breeding fenced-in fields and 19,400 square meters of outdoor stadium for pandas.
Wolong Nature Reserve is located in southwestern Wenchuan County of Sichuan Province and is China’s largest giant panda natural reserve, with more than 150 wild giant pandas.
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The link is here: english(dot)peopledaily(dot)com(dot)cn(slash)90001/90776/90882/6396303.html
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Also note: Huangcaoping = ” huang” means ” yellow” or ” brown” ; ” cao” means ” grass” ; ” ping” means ” field” or ” plain”
July 9th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Map of Wolong Nature Reserve showing Gengda Township location as northeast of Wolong Village/Wolong Panda Reserve Center:
www(dot)discoverchinatours(dot)com(slash)images/panda/map_of_wolong.gif
July 10th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Thank you Ron for Wolong update, I would love to and will donate more money for pandas and their keepers.
I just learn about Shi Shi past away, too sad. It was just few pandas left in the world, how much more can they take…
July 17th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Hi Ron, Thank you for the updates. We went to Wolong earlier this year and reading the news from there is just devestating. The day we went was in winter, but a nice sunny day, so there was almost nobody at Wolong that day. We spent all day with scores of pandas. One of the best experiences of our lives.
I know this is a radical idea, but is there any way the San Diego Zoo could expand it’s panda operation and accept 10-15 more pandas here in order to help out?
I just read an article about how they have had to put the pandas on a fruit diet due to shortage of bamboo and I also understand there are many pandas in the wild who are in jeopardy due to destroyed habitat and lack of food. Sounds like China might need some help with this and can’t think of anyone who has been more successful with the pandas than you guys in San Diego.
The local community has been very supportive of the pandas, plus people come and see the ones we have from all over the world. I would think that it would be possible to raise the millions of dollars of funding required.