Slowly, Slowly
Posted at 2:00 pm April 1, 2009 by Ellie RosenbaumSlowly is how things here at the San Diego Zoo’s Giant Panda Research Station seem to be progressing these days; perhaps not as quickly as we’d like, but a bit forward nonetheless. The large cement pad for the bamboo chiller is poured and cured, the wall and ceiling panels have arrived, and one by one they are being assembled into this state-of-the-art chiller. The outer coating of the panels is stainless steel, protected by a white plastic shield for assembly, and the interior is a high-density foam material, only about two to three inches thick.
Once it’s assembled and the plastic removed, it should resemble a giant rectangular ice cube, gleaming in the sun behind the exhibits. (There are the exhibit bedrooms between it and the exhibits themselves, so it’s not likely to be visible from the viewing area.) It appears that assembly is the easy part, however, and it could be another week or two before all the refrigeration components are put in place, and the unit is ready to fill with bamboo.
Also going slowly is Bai Yun, whose body is in no rush to begin estrus. It hasn’t been that long in the grand scheme of things since weaning Zhen Zhen, and Bai is taking her time getting the hormones moving in the direction of mating season, if at all. She has continued to display some behaviors that might indicate estrus is coming, but then settles back to her eating/sleeping routine. This is not a bad thing, since we’d like to be sure that she’s regained her pre-cub weight and is well rested before any possibility of a pregnancy. Keep in mind, though, that female pandas may skip an estrus after weaning and, although Bai Yun has never done so, it’s always a possibility. And so we continue to watch and wait.
Occasional quick visits to Su Lin and ZZ indicate that all is well with them. Su Lin is becoming quite the near-adult and so resembles her mother from the rear that it is difficult to tell them apart without knowing who is where. ZZ, however, is still cub-like in her demeanor and behavior. She now weighs over 100 pounds (45 kilograms), and retains the playful inquisitiveness. She has discovered “the spot” in the Chinese elm tree and can sometimes be spotted napping there above the fence line, like her brother and sisters before her. It’s nice to watch the family legacy live on.
And Gao is his sweet, charming self, but has taken to napping behind the climbing structure in the center of his exhibit, essentially out of view: not considerate of our visitors, but perhaps a bit quieter for him on these busy Spring Break days.
Ellie Rosenbaum is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
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April 1st, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Ellie, many thanks for the thorough update on the new bamboo cooler. Has the majority of the noise that might disturb the pandas been completed? It sounds like the refrigeration units might be quite large and require some heavy equipment to manuver into place. Otherwise it sounds like every one is enjoying the nice long Spring days.
April 1st, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Ellie, thank you so much for keep us up to speed on the cooler. It will be so nice when it is completed and things always seem to take longer than we anticipate. I am so glad to hear that all is well with our panda bears and so happy to hear ZZ is able to climb and sleep in a tree again. I am sure she is happy being back to climbing again. I think I saw her sitting and laying on the ground eating her bamboo yesterday and it was nice to see her again. Thanks again for the update.
April 1st, 2009 at 3:39 pm
With your detailed description of the bamboo cooler, I have an image of what it might look like. Maybe someday you can post a picture? I guess that probably sounds like a weird request, but it’s interesting to see all the different facets of the pandas’ quarters and facilities. Everyone there at the zoo must be excited that the cooler will be up and running soon.
No matter what happens with Bai this year, much will be learned and she will continue to be a most interesting panda cam subject. She’s spent so much of the past six years either pregnant or tending to a cub. We can get to know Bai apart from her role as a panda mom if she takes the year off. When will Bai’s trip to the Paw Spa appear on the zoo’s wishlist?
Thank you for the update. It’s always great to hear about what’s going on behind the scenes.
April 1st, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Dear Ellie, thank you for the update! And please thank whomever focused the camera on sweet little Zhen Zhen taking a nap in her bed around 4:40PM Pacific time
Tonight, if I have difficulty getting to sleep, I’m simply going to pretend I’m Zhen 
Sweet Panda Dreams 
April 1st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Thanks, Ellie, for keeping us informed about the happenings in Panda Canyon. For those of us who can’t visit as often as we’d like, your efforts are greatly appreciated!
I’d like to take this opportunity to mention that the April Animal Care Wish List is out. You can find it by typing “wish list” into the search box on the zoo’s web page…or maybe the moderator would be so kind as to provide a link. If you’ve never looked at the list, I recommend that you do. It really shows the thought and effort that goes into providing enrichment items every day for the animals at the zoo. You can participate for as little as five or ten dollars by purchasing a ball, chew toy, puzzle, treat, or other item for a zoo animal. The list changes every month, and the inexpensive items tend to go faster, so I always like to shop early for the best selection! I also include the Animal Care Wish List on my personal wish list for holidays and my birthday. And I bought an item off last month’s wish list as a gift for Panda Narrator #1 (aka Kay Ferguson) who will celebrate her birthday on Friday.
Kay and Ellie have known Bai Yun, Shi Shi, and Gao Gao since their arrival in San Diego, and have known each of the cubs since birth. They have spent countless hours with “our” bears educating visitors about Giant Panda biology, reproduction, and conservation, and also telling a good number of them to get off the fence and to use to quiet voices! I hope you’ll join me in thanking them for all that they do, and in wishing Kay a very happy birthday.
Moderator’s note: Here’s the link to the Wish List: https://www.sandiegozoo.org/sl/wishlist/
April 1st, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Thanks, Ellie, for the update. It’s exciting to know that the new cooler will soon be functional for our favorite bears. And how appropriate that it just happens to look like a giant ice cube. However today, at 17:10 (SDZ time) Zhen Zhen is sound asleep on her little table, and doesn’t seem to care what goes on around her. Sweet picture.
April 1st, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Happy Birthday, Kay – We share a birthday as well as a love of pandas!
April 1st, 2009 at 7:48 pm
#5 – Lizzie- thanks for reminding us what a wonderful job the panda narrators do
– when my hubby & were there to see SuLin as cub the narrator answered every question asked 
we were all trying to delay moving along in the line – a one point there were at least 12 of us crowded together all anxious for info – there was a sigh when a question was answered & then the next person in line asked their question – there was no pushing or shoving. Thanks to all. 
April 1st, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Hi! Thanks for updating us about the boo cooler construction. I thought that you would be pretty much done with all of that, but from what you were describing in your update, it looks like you still have a ways to go before it is finished. At least the boo cooler is there and ready to be used once the construction is finally done. My suggestion on the old boo coolers—RECYCLE THEM!! That could give the zoo some extra money in the bank!
I know what you are talking about when it comes to female pandas taking their time coming into estrus. Look at Ya Ya and her nearly year long drought before she finally went into estrus during Christmas week, Dec., 2008! Hopefully, Bai Yun won’t be going that long before she goes into estrus. I’d rather see her in estrus sooner than later. She’s a little bit behind Mei Xiang and Ya Ya, but that’s ok for her. Bai’s got her own timetable. We’ll just have to wait for her to make up her mind!
Saw ZZ in her favorite place eating her boo yesterday on the pandacam. One thing’s for sure with ZZ—she doesn’t sit still in the same place for very long because I left the cam to check on some updates, then I got back on the pandacam to see how ZZ was doing, and she was GONE! Just a pile of boo sitting there! One minute she’s there, the next minute she’s not! She’s a constant mover!
At AZ, little Xi Lan has finally gone outside for the first time this week. He’s been all over the outdoor exhibit exploring, smelling, climbing, and even has been in the moat a few times already! The keepers have padded the moat down with a lot of straw and added a ladder structure for Xi to climb out of the moat with. Mei Lan avoided that moat like crazy when she went outside for the first time a couple of years ago. But, Xi Lan has guts, confidence, and curiosity going for him! After his morning outdoor romp, he’s back in the dayroom for a nice long nap!
Well, I gotta go and get ready for bed. I’m pretty tired after a day of doing alot of things! Will write back in later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
April 2nd, 2009 at 6:12 am
Happy Birthday to Kay! Many thanks to you and all who educate us about giant pandas and who participate in their care and well-being. I’m grateful everyday for the chance to learn from and learn about animals. It wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of many people behind the scenes. Thank you all. You do a great job, and when it comes to caring for the animals who are featured on camera, you do it all with the world watching and commenting. Whew!
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:59 am
The cam legend says it is Su Lin on C28 but it sure looks like ZZ to me. Could it be the cam angle that makes this look like a cub? Or have you rotated the bears again?
April 2nd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Thanks, Ellie, as always for the update. I haven’t had much time recently to watch everyone or read all the postings. Good to know everyone is doing well. And that the boo cooler is coming along. Just peeked at the cam, and my charming Shrek Bear is just chowing down. I love that boy!
I hope everyone is enjoying the cam being back in ZA. The X-Man is too funny. What a little doll.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Happy Birthday Kay and thanks to you and Ellie for all you do for those of us who manage to get to SDZ to see our beloved black and whites. Your informative spiels are so entertaining. Thanks again. Also glad to hear of the progress of the bamboo cooler.
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Like the true diva that she is, Bai likes to keep her followers in suspense. So far, I think I can say the wait(s) have been worth it.
Miss ZZ looks so cute on her sleeping platform–on her back, one leg over her eyes, her back legs folded together–i wish I could just reach into the screen and tickle her tummy!
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Thank you for the updates on our favorite family. I love the new schedule you have for the cam as well. It works out that when I come home in the evening, I get to have my dinner with ZZ! She happily munches her boo and I happily eat my human boo !
I’m noticing tonight as she’s laying stretched out that she seems to have gotten taller? Or maybe I’m just noticing it because usually she curls up and doesn’t look as long?
April 2nd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Is it possible that she is past her prime for mating??
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:04 am
I love to watch the keepers clean the panda areas. Don’t know why, but I do.
And great job, Meerkats! The close up of the charming Gao this morning is priceless. And ZZ yesterday afternoon, napping with her arm over her eyes. I still want to be a Meerkat!
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:12 am
Thank you Meerkats! The close up of Gao Gao enjoying the heck out of his boo breakfast is just so fabulous! I love his nose – so very cute! And the focus on food… Gao sure does love his boo! I’m sure my blood pressure has gone down significantly since I tuned in to the SDZ panda cam this morning, and I’m now smiling… all is right with Gao and that makes my world better!
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:32 am
Kay, Happy Birthday to the best panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo. It’s so wonderful to see your smiling face when we come to visit the pandas. You are always gracious and kind to everyone. Because of your expert knowledge of the pandas, you have taught many visitors about how they can help the panda and other endangered species.
Have a wonderful birthday today. You truly are the best.
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:44 am
Hello all, I’m sure you’ve all seen how much our panda prince in Atlanta is enjoying the outdoors. The keepers left a mound of hay on the ground just to see how Xi Lan would react and, boy, he loves it!! There’s a brand new video on youtube today called “AJ and Hay” – what fun!! He rolls around, anoints himself, burrows his head in it – just a treat to see him playing with abandon. Don’t miss this one.
The pandas appear to be on their lunch hour at NZ. Tai and Mei are always fun to watch when they are enjoying their boo. I peeked in on the SDZ cam but all I saw were the boo and the logs. Will try again later. Have a good day, everyone!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:46 am
I have to echo all the compliments and thanks that have been directed to the cam operators. In the past 3-4 days, I’ve gotten some panda cam shots of 1) gorgeous Gao, who was leaning on a log with his chin resting on his paw and gazing into the camera (or so it seemed); 2) beautiful Bai, who was posing similarly with what I like to imagine is a contented smile on her face; and 3) dazzling ZZ, who was stretched out on a platform of sorts, occasionally looking at the camera and stopping hearts everywhere with her tremendous charm. I was only too happy to add more great pictures of the SDZ panda family to my collection. Many thanks for giving us the opportunity to see the pandas close-up.
#18 Suzanne…The pandas have a similar calm-inducing effect on me. They also make me smile and even laugh until my sides hurt sometimes.
#17 Linda…I also watch the clean-up efforts in the yard.
#14 Frances…You mentioned wishing you could reach in and tickle Zhen’s tummy…I’m a little embarassed to admit that I kissed the tip of my finger and touched the screen where Gao Gao’s face was seemingly staring into the camera the other day. I feel so silly!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:20 am
I watched Bai at midmight PST and could see Bai sitting up munching away on bamboo. I see her at 9am PST still chowing down on her abundant supply of fresh bamboo. Can life get any better? Has she been weighed lately?? She looks to have put on significant weight!! My only concern is that the bears do not get enough “social” time with each other. I would think that Bai occaisonally misses playing and frolicing with the offspring as she has while together with the cub, they really got going at times as she would pummel and roll the cub around. But we all know that the great and highly intelligent Panda crew know best their behaivor and well being. Thank you so much for your care of this great species. With all that is going on in this world this is the higlight of my day, every day ……
Steve Burton
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:44 am
Happy birthday Kay! And thanks to Ellie and everyone for all you do!
We should be paying you people to watch the wonderful pandas and all the animals at WAP. Wish I still lived in Cali, but I don’t. We are here in Penna where my hubby and I went when he retired from Los Angeles Fire Dept. in 1988. Glad the cooler is getting done, will make you and animals happy. I saw Bai rolling all around after she stuck her hand in the flavor that was put on the ground, looked like my cat when I give her catnip. She rolled everywhere, was funny cause she is so big. 1st time I ever saw panda doing that. It was about 11:45 Eastern time. Take care!
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I so enjoy watching the pandas. They make me feel so happy. Everyone at work stops by to enjoy a moment with them.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Oh, Melissa #21–I’m sure you’re not the only one of us who does that screen touching thing when there is a cute panda involved. And I agree with Suzanne #18 and Melissa that the pandas make me smile and laugh all the time–they are the best mood elevator ever!
Sorry I missed Bai’s excitement–it goes by really fast on the time lapse–but Xi Lan is really cute rolling around in the hay. Whee! I want to be a baby panda!!!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
This is going to sound silly, but instead of just Linda A., I’m going to add NorCal to my name. We seem to be adding some much welcomed posters, and I don’t want to add any confusion. Geez, that all sounded dumb, but my heart is in the right spot!
It’s almost 4:00 Pacific time; I swear that’s ZZ on the cam but I know it’s Gao. Or I’m losing my mind again. I suspect, as we’ve all experienced — it’s hard sometimes with the camera angle to know which of our kids we’re watching. He just looks so small.
Have a good weekend everyone; and to those in New York, you are in my prayers!
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Kay is a respected , valued and knowledgable narrator. We are grateful for, as always, donations to the project – but especially appreciate that she is recognized for her dedication and commitment to the critters and our guests in her own giving and wonderful way. Thank you.
(And please know that her birthday has not gone forgotten or uncelebrated by her collegues here.)
April 4th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Wow! you really know how to make my 69 years around the sun a perfect day, thanks so much. I have the honor of serving YOU who love pandas everywhere. It has been my pleasure to watch not only the bears but you as well. I always look forward to being there and always will. To all who share my birthday I hope it was as good as mine. Bear Hugs to you all. KK
April 5th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Hi! I have a new email address because my old one got hacked during the nite earlier this week! Not the best feeling in the world for that to happen! Someone hacked into my contact list, then wrote and sent an email with my first name, Chari, on it from of all places—England! I am not in England; I am still here in Florida!!
Been getting on the SDZ pandacam off and on this past week, and I’ve been able to watch Gao, Su Lin, Bai, and ZZ on different days. Just saw Bai in her favorite napping spot just sleeping away!
Sorry this is a little late, but happy birthday to Kay! Hope that you had a very nice day with your colleagues, animals, family, and friends! Love your articles about the pandas when you write them for us. Keep up the great work that you and everyone else has been doing at SDZ and WAP!
Also, my prayers go out to Binghamton, NY and Pittsburgh, PA on the horrible shootings that have resulted in the deaths of so many people in Binghamton and 3 police officers in Pitt. This is just coming off of a horrible week in Oakland 3 weeks ago when 4 police officers were killed there. Somehow, there has to be a way to try to stop these crazy people from snapping like this! Maybe going to zoos and watching animals might help! Animals do have a calming effect on us whether they are our pets or are in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries. We can all learn something positive from the animals!
Well, gonna go and get back on the cams. Will be back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
April 5th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Zhen sure looks happy and relaxed as miniature version of an adult panda these days. It is 5:20 PM PDT and she is propped up on the log in her bedroom, eating her dinner with great gusto and purpose. She looks like quite a pro at chowing down on her boo. Thanks Meerkats for the great shot. It has been a couple of weeks since my timing was right to catch a glimpse of her.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:17 am
I just love the way Mr. Gao Gao sits by the fence, leaning on his rock, chowing down–for hours, it seems–as the official panda greeter. Our small but mighty pandaman has truly found his place in life!
Bai Yun seems also to be eating with a purpose and looks to be plumping up nicely. Su Lin looks content, and Zhen Zhen grows prettier every day (IMHO).
It looks like a lovely Spring at SDZ.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Gao is even more endearing for the way he sticks his tongue out repeatedly at times. He reminds me of my cat after she’s taken medicine. Gao does a great job representing giant pandas as the SDZ panda greeter. He must be relieved that he has a built-in vest and doesn’t have to wear one as part of his “job.”
#31 Frances…I agree that Zhen is more beautiful by the day. She is quite arresting when she looks directly into the camera. I love the shape of her eye patches and how they’re positioned on her face. So much beauty in such a small package!
It was fun watching Lun Lun eating around lunchtime. She was seated close to the glass in a dayroom and there was a bevy of small children admiring her in the excited way that children do. They were about at her eye level as she sat, yet she didn’t flinch. What a patient group of pandas we are fortunate enough to enjoy here in our zoos.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
#32 Melissa – I love your description of Gao as the SDZ panda greeter and especially the comment about the built-in vest! He certainly is our dapper dude! Love his benefits too… hand delivered boo and treats and (occasional) company of his lovely lady Bai! (hint, hint, hint!!!)
April 6th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
It looks like a nice sunny day at the SDZ I got to watch Bai, Gao, and Su Lin this afternoon. It was great to see Su Lin as I haven’t been able to catch her to often lately she’s so beautiful.
If any of you so to the website (pandasliveon) there are some really cute pixs of the X-man outdoors and a great story from the Washington Post about the Pandas in DC just click on (Panda Paradox) it get the whole story.
Sure hope the pandas are having better weather than we are in the mid-west. LOL
April 6th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
#33 Suzanne…I have to give credit to Frances #31 for giving Gao his ‘panda greeter’ status.
I like your description of him as a dapper dude.
#34 Pam…Thanks so much for telling us about the Washington Post story. Lots of good reading along with great photos in the picture gallery! And I let out a huge cry of happiness when I read the all-important sentence near the end of the article that said Tai Shan most likely will NOT be going back to China this year. Hip hip hooray!!! I now keep my fingers crossed that Su will be staying a while longer, as well! The article made my day!
April 6th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
You know, I’m relatively new (less than 2 years) to SDZ and the blogs. However, I just absolutely love to read everyone’s emotions about the beloved creatures we know as Panda. The way you write shows your personality, and the way you love these bears shows your character. Even having never met any of you, I can say I feel the love that connects us all. #35 Melissa….I haven’t yet read the Post article, but I also feel emotional that Tai Shan may be scheduled to go to China. He is my 1st panda-love. My daughter and I will visit NZ in May (my Mother’s Day present to myself!!:D), and I am so excited to be able to see the 3 bears that I love so dearly. Also, the tigers, clouded leopards, cheetahs, lions, a cute little Kiwi….all the beautiful animals I watch daily on the web cams. (Sounds like I do nothing else, right?) Next year, I hope to visit San Diego, to do the same. I’m hoping to be able to see another cub from Bai and Gao. (So, they need to get busy!!)
April 6th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
#34 Pam – thanks for the info about the Washington Post Story – full of great info & THE BEST NEWS OF ALL –TAI PROBABLY NOT RETURN TO CHINA THIS YEAR OR EVEN NEXT YEAR. Let’s hope that means Su Lin & Lani will stay longer also.
April 6th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Happy Bearday to Mr. Gao Gao from all your Aunties and Unkies at Pandas Unlimited! You are the cutest, sweetest, and greatest daddy panda of them all!
April 6th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Thanks for the credit, Melissa #35! I’m sure it was some other blogger who had visited the zoo and remarked on Gao Gao greeting her at the entrance to Panda Canyon who planted the idea in my head-but this morning, there he was, unmistakably, ready at his post to greet the guests–a fine panda ambassador who arose from his humble beginnings and grew to prominence for his wit, his charm, his scrunchy face, his winning way with Queen Bai, and their adorable cubs!
April 6th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
#38 Deb – thanks to you & all “the Aunties & Unkies”, cousins etc at Pandas Unlimited for all you do for our beloved pandas:)
April 6th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I can’t say thank you enough for the info about the pandaliveson Fabulous video about Fuzhou, especially the update about Ba Si. I have been trying to find out what happened to her after her 25th birthday in 2005. She had a huge celebration for her 25th birthday with birthday cake eaten with a fork. She is one of the oldest pandas alive. I was blessed to see her when she was visiting the SDZ in 1987, and that is when I fell in love with pandas. I am so happy to see that she is still healthy and happy. She is living in a great place with obvious love and attention from her keepers and fans. Like Gao Gao, she is a famous celebrity in China because of her rescue in the wild as a youngster. She had cataract surgery when she was over 20 years old and it made her into a “new” panda again. I remember reading that she had become very cranky before her cataract surgery, and that she was a completely different more mellow panda after she could see again. I am amazed at what one can learn from reading these blogs because of the input of people all over the world.
April 7th, 2009 at 7:24 am
Sorry I’m a day late, but…
Happy Rescue Day to Gao Gao!
I am so grateful for the people that helped you, and I firmly believe there’s a special place in heaven for people who help animals. And, thanks to Gao for being sooooo smart as to keep coming back to the “sure thing” and “finding” his way here and for filling our zoo with little Gao’s. They bring so much happiness to everyone who sees them. You are truly a BIG BIG bear!!! And a Magnificent Ambassador for all Pandakind!
Love, Joy
April 7th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Hi everyone! Just back from holidays and have been trying to catch up on all the blogs. Glad to see how the “our” bamboo cooler is coming along.
Just one question right now. Read that there have been 19 births already in China and am wondering if Hua Mei is pregnant? Any news out there?
April 7th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Adding my good wishes in remembering Gao’s rescue. He continues to be America’s MVP (most valuable panda).
Hope everyone got to see Le Le yesterday and today. He’s been on camera quite a bit. Today is the 103rd day since Ya Ya’s AI (not including the day of the procedure) so maybe there will be an update soon about her hormone levels, etc. So exciting!
April 7th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Why isn’t China footing the bill for “bamboo coolers”, etc. This “conservation” program needs to reviewed. Think of all the poor children you could feed in THIS country with that money. I love the pandas but when is China going to take over the financial responsibilty. IT IS TIME. This is THEIR program. I can name at least 10 species in this country that could use that money.
April 7th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Beth #45
The funds needed for the bamboo cooler were donated by people who love the pandas and want to continue helping with the panda conservation effort. It is a global effort, as is world hunger for example.
We are very lucky that within our diverse populations there are so many ways to help animals, people, the planet etc. Each of us have our own personal reasons as to where we donate our time and money.
As passionate as some are about the pandas, there are others just as passionate about other charities.
I’m just thankful to be able to help the pandas in my own small way.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Beth, #45. I don’t think the U. S. Zoo’s contracts with China included anything but the Pandas, and moneys that we pay them. Lighten up. I contributed to the fund for the bamboo cooler, because it was needed, and I don’t think many of the zoos who are working in the conservation projects, are getting much help from anyone except individual contributions from the zoo supporters I also am worried about the survival of polar bears, and I also contribute for their welfare when I can. Then there is the gray wolf situation in the Northern Rockies. I send money for their survival, and our own government is not doing a lot to help with that. So, please, don’t knock the supporters for helping out the SDZ. We are just trying to be good stewards for wildlife. And don’t get me started on the hungry children in this country and the world.
(Sorry, moderators, but I had to unload. Thank you.)
April 7th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
There was, in fact, an update from Memphis today and it is sad news. Ya Ya’s pregnancy did not develop properly and she is no longer pregnant. My heart goes out to the staff at the zoo. Sweet Ya Ya has many years left to reproduce if that is in the cards. In the meantime, she will be revered and enjoyed for her many and varied panda charms.
April 8th, 2009 at 11:44 am