New Phase of Conservation Program Begins as Gao Gao Returns to China
The San Diego Zoo said farewell today (Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018) to one of its most iconic animals. Giant Panda Gao Gao (pronounced Gow Gow), a male panda and father of five cubs born at the Zoo, began his journey this morning to the Chinese Center for Research and Conservation for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) in Dujiangyan, China—in keeping with the current panda research loan agreement with the People’s Republic of China.
Gao Gao was transported in his crate and accompanied by a few familiar members of his animal care team, including a veterinarian and keeper staff. Once he arrives in Dujiangyan, team members from both CCRCGP and San Diego Zoo Global will work together to get Gao Gao acclimated to his new surroundings.
“Preparations to move any animal internationally takes a great deal of planning, where the needs of the animal are considered in all preparations,” said Kathy Hawk, senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. “For Gao Gao, it was important that we acclimate him to travel accommodations, adjust his diet and monitor him carefully, to provide him a seamless transition for repatriation to his homeland.”
Gao Gao’s return to China comes at the same time the Zoo’s giant panda conservation program enters a new chapter, in which the Zoo, along with colleagues in China, are working to determine and redefine the future of panda conservation and research. Decades ago, when San Diego Zoo Global started working with giant pandas, the species was on the verge of extinction. The Zoo became part of an international collaboration that included CCRCGP, the China Wildlife Conservation Association, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and other accredited zoos and conservation organizations, in an unprecedented effort to prevent a panda extinction event.
Now, 25 years later, researchers and keepers have learned a great deal about panda behavior, pregnancy, births, and maternal and geriatric care. Today, the giant panda population is on the rise, with nearly 2,000 giant pandas existing in the wild. Their increased numbers, along with policies put in place by the Chinese government, led the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species to downlist pandas—from Endangered to Vulnerable—meaning that while threats to pandas’ survival remain high, indicators show the species is in less danger of extinction than before, and that conservation efforts are working. In the wake of this accomplishment, conservationists are now determined to create a plan to continue the conservation momentum.
“Thanks to the work we’ve done, we have met the initial conservation goals we set more than 25 years ago,” said Carmi Penny, director of Collections Husbandry Science at the San Diego Zoo. “Now, we must look to the future with a new set of objectives and, along with our collaborators in China, build on current conservation successes while attaining a deeper understanding of the panda.”
Guests can visit the Zoo’s other two giant pandas, 27-year-old Bai Yun (pronounced bye yoon) and her 6-year-old son Xiao Liwu (pronounced sshyaoww lee woo) in their exhibit in Panda Canyon.
This is all about money. The Chinese don’t need another panda. Period. Why are they really doing this and why can’t negotiations happen in the future to change this? They use this as a tool. It’s disgusting and their panda farms wouldn’t even be allowed in the United States. I am sickened this is happening to these sweet and beautiful creatures who only know one way of life. DOES MR. WU GET TO TAKE HIS BELOVED PILLOW? ;-(
Is there a representative from the SD Zoo who oversees this from here on out? A researcher who knows these bears?
Thank you, Irene. I am so happy to hear about Gao Gao. You are very kind to rest our worries. They can’t possibly put Mr. Wu in the wild, can they? The people at the zoo said they never would. I can’t imagine how traumatic this is for him and sweet Bai Yun.
Loaned Pandas and their Offspring
Understandably, being emotionally attached, fans are reluctant to see their favorite pandas depart. Nonetheless, by agreement, China has final say on their disposition.
Per report, Gao Gao has now settled down, at land of his ancestors. His spacious outdoor courtyard, has a large wooden platform, for relaxation. There are also trees for climbing, if he so desires. Further, he has become accustomed to his new Chinese keepers, and veterinarians. Lastly, he likes Sichuan bamboo (young shoots plus leaves, to lessen wear on his teeth). Like previous SDZ panda returnees, transfer of care has been smooth.
With managed care panda population, close to target goal of six hundred (548, as of last November), China has long since relaxed, age of cub weaning (currently, 18 months, per international norm). For cubs enrolled in ‘Release into the Wild’ project, their weaning are completely up to their birth mothers [Of note: Since 2017, San Diego Zoo, together with other western institutions, have collaborated with China, on this nascent program].
‘Hold panda cub’ photo sessions, are completely voluntary, for visitors to CCRCGP and Chengdu Base. Most panda cams, at western zoos, are installed with corporate sponsorships.
It seems cruel to me to send that wonderful old man on such an arduous trip. It also doesn’t help that you’ve always talked about how particularly close he was to the keepers. All his special needs, etc. The price to keep Woo, eh? I do not really care to view the pandas in China. Videos of cubs being thrown into tourist’s laps for a quick pic. Or taking them away from their mother so early and raising them in a herd. But China is the big winner. We pay millions a year for the privilege of having these beautiful animals here, doing the science and breeding. Every time we send one back to China I feel extremely conflicted. The panda cams of China do not paint a very attractive picture.
Will other Pandas come to SDZ for breeding or is this the end of Panda breeding at SDZ??
to Panda nation.
I couldn’t find any ipanda or panda international. But thank for for telling me how to us it. No I am not familiar with French. My second language is Spanish.
I am sorry to see the old man go back to China, I hope that the San Diego Zoo will get a young female for Mr. Liu so the breeding program can continue.
To Animal Lover in Canada,
The sites mentioned on my earlier post, are as follows:
1) www(dot)panda(dot)fr, also accessible via Instagram/Facebook/Twitter/Sina Weibo/YouTube.
It has November 2nd, 2018 article, on Gao Gao’s trip to China, plus his early life. There are multiple 2018 photos of him, at San Diego Zoo, and Dujiangyan Base. It is written in French (Perhaps, being from Canada, you are familiar with this language). If not, use tool box on its homepage, for translation into English, or another language.
2) www(dot)ipanda(dot)com. Use Bing or Google toolbar, for English (other language) translation.
It has panda news, plus webcams.
3) www(dot)pandasinternational(dot)org, also on Facebook & Twitter.
Organizers at Pandas International, frequently travel to Sichuan, for delivering supplies. They know the staff at CCRCGP (China Research & Conservation Centre for Giant Pandas). Hence, they can fill in more details, for you, on Gao Gao at Dujiangyan.
To SAN DIEGO ZOO BLOG MONITOR: PLEASE ALLOW THIS POSTING, THANKS.
Blog Monitor’s note: As long as links are broken, as you have done, things like this can be shared. We just don’t allow live links, and if they are in your comment, the system automatically keeps them from being posted.
Welcome back to your homeland, dear Gao Gao ! We do not forget you… and we think of you!
Thanks panda nation for the websites none of them did work but I will keep looking.
Bye 👋!
Previously, someone circulated online petition, seeking to keep U.S.-based pandas, permanently stateside. It fizzled, when Chinese ambassador and zoo directors, all rejected such proposal.
To Animal Lover in Canada,
Born in the wild, Gao Gao’s estimated age is 28, within geriatric range. He first arrived in San Diego, in exchange for another elderly panda, Shi Shi (who stayed at SDZ, from 9/1996 to 1/2003).
All loaned pandas and their offspring, including 4 in Canada, belong to China. As such, China has final say, on their disposition. For copy of research loan agreement, please contact another east coast zoo (which is supported by U.S. taxpayers), or the one in Calgary.
Currently, Dujiangyan Base does not have its own website. For panda coverage in China, try sites like, iPanda, Pandas International, or panda(dot)fr/ . The first 2 also have panda cams. Third one has 11/2/2018 article, accompanied by multiple photos; on Gao Gao’s San Diego departure/arrival at Dujiangyan/Sichuan, as well as his early history.
Separately, the panda twins at Calgary, are due to return to China, in fall/2019, again per loan agreement.
Is it better for Gao Gao to be in China 🇨🇳 or is it Better for him in San Diego. I have never been to your zoo (because I live in Canada 🇨🇦) but I check this website every day. Love this zoo! He has been every helpful to Bai yun’s litters. Is there a website for where he went? Why is the video so sad? It is not very sad to me? Is Gao Gao old? Probably not right?
Species conservation, for pandas in the wild, is a noble undertaking. Albeit, it does require financial backing, to accomplish this long-term goal.
Overseas Panda Loan Fees: Pragmatic financial consideration
Initial (10 to 15 years) Period: US$ one million (or equivalent) annually, per panda pair, payable to China.
Renewal (5 to 10 years): US$500,000 annually, per pair.
Birth of cub, surviving past 6 months: One-time fee of US$600,000, for one. For twins, US$1.2 million.
Untimely death, due to human error/negligence: Penalty fee of US$800,000 [To-date, only one zoo had the misfortune, to pay such fine].
Additional Expenditure: Insurance, bamboo, enclosure upkeep, air freight, staff salary/benefits, etc.
Previously, fees were a lot higher. Above figures, reflect reduction, post 2006 negotiation.
During Asian financial crisis in 1990s, South Korea returned its loaned pandas, because it could no longer afford them. Albeit, in 2016, with booming economy, South Korea again imported a panda pair (Now, effect of U.S. tariff threat ??)
Per agreement, Xiao Liwu was to be repatriated in 2016, at age four. His stay has been extended, to 2019. He is now, or soon to be, an adult. Thus, even with Gao Gao gone, annual loan fee, Wu + Bai Yun combined, could still possibly be US$500,000.
I am aware of the Chinese tradition. But, some traditions are not good ones. It is for the Chinese “Humans” but not in the best interest of the Panda individual who has spent a life in a place that has become their home – to THEM! So again – Chinese tradition aside, it is a long trip for an animal of his age to make – and for what exactly? So a bunch of humans can appease their tradition? I know some people probably think that I just don’t get it. I get it – but I see it from the side of the animal. And sorry – but I don’t always respect traditions when they cause harm. I am sure that given a choice, SDZ would have been very happy to keep him until his final days -which may be sooner than they would have been as a result of this trip and resettlement. Selfish Humans.
Dear Robin Kelley,
Per ancient Chinese tradition, a retiree always return to one’s ancestral homeland.
Previously, three loaned pandas died, while residing overseas. Even their corpses were required to be repatriated.
Gao Gao’s agreement, expired last September. All loaned pandas and their offspring, remain Chinese property. As such, China has the final say, on Gao’s disposition.
I just have to add my voice to the others who are totally sad to hear that the Chinese would have held the zoo to this agreement with a bear so old. His home has been in your zoo for decades. Why put an old boy through the trauma? I cried when I read this.
My first post was in no way being disrespectful towards the Zoo or anyone, I was there the day Gao Gao went on exhibit and have been an advocate for Panda conservation since. I understand this was not a decision made by the zoo staff and my comment “they” was directed to the people who call the shots and took our beloved panda back.
Blog Monitor’s note: Nancy, please know we understood your comment and did not feel you were being disrespectful towards SDZG. We realize this is difficult for everyone.
Gao Gao has arrived safely at Dujiangyan Base early in the morning(at about 7:00 am) on Nov. 1st:
media(DOT)weibo.cn/article?id=2309404301503643955467
Here are more pictures about Gao Gao’s arrival. He looks not bad after all the long trip:
1)m(DOT)weibo.cn/3222817584/4301547867456702
2)m(DOT)weibo.cn/3148426650/4301491252404075
P.S. Dujiangyan Base of CCRCGP has been open to the public since the second half of 2015.
Blog Monitor’s note: Friendly reminder that live links to non-SDZG sites are not allowed in our comment section (exception made for Facebook). 🙂
Looks like our dear Gao Gao has arrived m(DOT)weibo.cn/status/4301457891202440?fbclid=IwAR3DYIXQoYsWAXbYh29e_NknaZ8Vx7CWFe90XlynbffwGMJOR5hmZKqPJfk
Blog Monitor’s note: Friendly reminder that live links to non-SDZG sites are not allowed in our comment section (exception made for Facebook). 🙂
China has extended Xiao Liwu’s California stay, till 2019.
Bai Yun’s loan agreement, expired last September, Perhaps, hers will be extended as well??
SDZ has enclosures, to accommodate 6 pandas separately. However, bringing in any new loaned panda(s), still must be for research, focusing on species conservation in the wild. Import, for sole purpose of breeding, will not meet requirements, set by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Agree, going forward, new refined objectives for conservation; should be formulated, built upon achievements gained, so far. Collaborative undertakings, among institutions, could certainly lead to fruitful outcomes.
At SDZ, Gao Gao was on heart medication, for (congenital) pulmonic valvular stenosis.
Hopefully, China has same or equivalent drug, to offer him symptomatic relief. He is not a surgical candidate. Besides, heart surgery has never been performed, in giant panda.
Modified diet for Gao Gao
Gao has undergone multiple dental procedures. At SDZ, his bamboo was trimmed to, 1-cm diameter sizes. Special, bamboo leave breads, were baked for him. Ice cake and icy popsicle were off limits, to lessen further wear, on his dentition.
Likewise, Dujiangyan staff will have to offer him, trimmed young bamboo shoots. Similar adjustments are needed, for supplementary/enrichment feeds, such as carrots, and Chinese buns (rich in corn plus sorghum).
Probably, it would take some time, for his taste buds to acclimatize, from Californian to Sichuan bamboo. Nonetheless, other pandas before him, all eventually made the switch.
CCRCGP has cared for geriatric pandas, for years. Currently, several in their 20s, reside at Dujiangyan’s retirement home section. Thus, Gao Gao will be in company, of his aged peers.
All loaned pandas and their offspring, are Chinese property. As such, China has final say, on their disposition.
Google Search: ‘Giant Panda Gao Gao Returning to China’.
San Diego news media, carry two different articles (with videos), with in-depth discussion plus interviews, with SDZ keeper and scientist, on
1) Repatriating Gao Gao to his ancestral homeland.
2) Panda conservation program at SDZ.
Understandably, being emotionally attached, folks are reluctant to let go, their favorite giant panda(s), an iconic creature.
Hence, in terms of repatriating pandas plus accompanying chaperones, for safety and security reasons; their departure date or route, is always kept secret in advance. In case of SDZ, announcement would only come, after the airplane, with its precious cargo, is safely westward bound, over the Pacific.
To learn steps involved, in preparing pandas for the journey; see SDZ panda blog tag archives, on Su Lin/Zhen Zhen (9/2010), and Yun Zi (1/2014).
iPanda website, has link to Dujiangyan webcams. Perhaps, pandaholics can view Gao Gao there. Bear in mind, time zone differences.
In coming days, this site probably would have articles, on Gao returning to China. Use Bing or Google toolbar, for English translation.
Also, check out YouTube, on any upcoming videos, relating to him.
Upon arrival at Dujiangyan, Gao Gao will undergo, 30-day standard, routine quarantine. It also serves as ‘get acquainted’ period, for his Chinese keepers. They have English-speaking staff, in case Gao has difficulty understanding, Mandarin spoken in Sichuan dialect (Or, perhaps he could recall verbal Chinese commands, from his 1992-1995, 1996-2003 Sichuan days). Albeit, hand & body signals, used in husbandry, are universally deployed.
In 2016, Mei Sheng was transferred to Dujiangyan, for evaluation plus treatment of, unspecified gastrointestinal ailment. If Mei is still there, perhaps he & Gao could smell, a/o vocalize to each other, given suitable opportunities. Since male pandas are not involved in cub rearing, they will not realize that, they are related.
Dujiangyan, together with Bifengxia & Gengda, are 3 major panda bases for CCRCGP. Located on 126 acres of land, this facility, opened in 2012, encompasses the following:
40 spacious enclosures, with 10 designed for quarantine, a/o injury rehabilitation. One section serves as, ‘panda retirement home’.
Panda hospital, with operating rooms.
Medical laboratory.
Large bamboo farm.
Kitchen for preparing panda meals.
Onsite housing for staff.
Conference center [During 2014-15, San Diego Zoo veterinarian staff, together with other international scientists, served as teaching faculty, for three panda workshops, held here]. See 2015 SDZ blog.
It is a non-breeding facility, strictly for research & treatment. Currently, it is not opened to the general public. Admittance is via invitation only, for visiting researchers and government delegations, on official business.
Note: Dujiangyan Base (official name: Dujiangyan Centre for Panda Disease Control, Prevention and Research), is to be differentiated from ‘Dujiangyan Panda Valley’ (a separately administered institution, which is opened to the public, via advanced reservation).
Per Chinese cultural belief, “One might leave home while young, an aged traveler will always return, to settle in his/her ancestral village”.
Giant panda is China’s #1 national treasure. When time comes, loaned pandas & their offspring, have always been repatriated. It started with Shi Shi in 2003, followed by Hua Mei in 2004, plus scores of others since then.
CCRCGP and Chengdu Base, have experience in handling returnees. DVD copies, on husbandry and veterinary records of such pandas; are given to Chinese counterparts, ensuring smooth transfer of care.
With previous panda repatriation, accompanying SDZ staff (veterinarian plus keeper) would post blog(s), on their trips, upon return to California. Presumably, they will do same for Gao Gao.
Currently, Sichuan is 15 hours ahead of California. China does not observe daylight saving time.
Besides flight time, from LAX to Shanghai, then Shanghai to Chengdu; there are airport layovers, for custom inspection, plus plane change. Then, it is truck (lorry) ride, from Chengdu to Dujiangyan. Admittedly a long journey, both SDZ and CCRCGP staff, are well-prepared for such task; based upon their collective past experience, with six repatriated pandas. Gao Gao is in good hands.
Gao Gao departing for China, via jet plane.
“All my bamboos are packed, I’m ready to go,
I’m standing here outside your door,
Hate to wake you up, to bleat goodbye.
But the dawn is breaking, it’s early morning,
Motorcade is waiting, it’s blowing its horn.
So hug me and chirp for me, tell me you’ll visit me,
Every place I go, I think of you,
Every song I bleat, I bleat for you,
I’m leaving on a jet plane, and I shall not be back again.
Now the time has come, to leave you,
One more time, let me paw you,
Close your eyes, and I’ll be on my way to China.”
Bon Voyage, Gao Gao, Yi Lu Ping An (Have a safe journey)!
Hi. I assume Gao Gao has arrived to the panda research base in China. Do you have an update about how he is doing there?
Blog Monitor’s note: While I’m certain there has been pretty constant communication between those who accompanied him and the Animal Care Staff and Curators here, nothing has trickled down (waaaaay down) to me.
Distance between San Diego and Dujiangyan: 7,299 miles.
Dujiangyan is located 55 km. (34 miles), from Chengdu (provincial capital of Sichuan).
Previously, with repatriation of Su Lin, Zhen Zhen and Yun Zi, they were flown from Los Angeles to Shanghai. There, after plane change, trip continued to Chengdu. Then, after one-hour of escorted truck transport, the entourage arrived at Dujiangyan Panda Base, close to midnight, local time. Next day, a welcome home ceremony would be held, for the returnee, attended by local school children.
Presumably, Gao Gao will follow same itinerary.
It so sad to see Gao Gao go back to China. Hope he lives out the rest of his senior years with grace & peace!
This is just awful! Bao Bao is old and sickly, why are they subjecting him to this? Are they bringing him over there to die? Terrible story!
This is very sudden, shocking, and sad, but I truly hope it’s for the best, and that he gets special care and love in China. Please please take good care of Gao Gao, protect him from the noise and distraction of tourists, pamper him with expert medical services, and give him the biggest and most comfortable enclosure available.
Pandas are national treasures in china, the belief is born in China die in China but it still doesn’t lesson the sorrow of knowing he has returned to his birth place, we will miss you and hope the last years of your life are peaceful
To Patty, Louise, Nancy — and anyone else that calls this move “cruel” or “sad” — shame on you! If you truly care about Gao Gao and all the animals under the San Diego Zoo care, then you should trust that the keepers, vets, staff and support team have made the best decision. The San Diego Zoo Global has proven time and time again that their care for the Giant Pandas has been more than exceptional, and has played a major role in the survival of the species. I respect their decision more than your un-justified quips.
Blog Monitor’s note: People feel and voice things differently. Please help us keep the comment section a respectful place.
Gao Gao would have been happier in SDZ. You are cruel.
Hope you enjoy your new surroundings Gao Gao. try to stay heathy. hoping the trip was very successful. love all pandas.
Oooopppsss, , meant to say Gao Gao. sorry.
Hope you enjoy your new surroundings Bao Bao. try to stay heathy. hoping the trip was very successful. love all pandas.
It would have been nice for SDZ to keep Gao Gao considering his health conditions,along with age…this is his home,a place of security,care,comfort and love. He won’t get this to the depth that you all could have provided..an extremely sad day to hear this. He now has a cold road to follow the rest of his days.
Absolutely terrible news after all these years, taking him back to somewhere he is not familiar with at his age, just wow!!!