Early this morning (April 30, 2019), the San Diego Zoo’s popular red and gold Giant Panda Friendship Wall was dismantled, marking the end of a month-long farewell celebration for the pandas. The wall provided guests an opportunity to symbolically say goodbye, hanging personal messages and commemorative bells, while celebrating the successful completion of significant conservation work during the Zoo’s 23-year panda conservation loan agreement with the People’s Republic of China.
The Giant Panda Friendship Wall, located across from the entrance to the Zoo’s Giant Panda Research Station, was removed one day after the panda habitat closed permanently to the general public—providing more time for animal care staff to continue their task of preparing 27-year-old female giant panda Bai Yun (pronounced bye yoon) and her son, 6-year-old Xiao Liwu (pronounced sshyaoww lee woo), for their trip to China later this spring. Zoo officials said they will now store the wall and its thousands of bells and tags from well-wishers, with the hope of erecting the structure again if pandas return to the San Diego Zoo.
“Although we are sad to see Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu go, we have great hopes for the future,” said Dwight Scott, director of the San Diego Zoo. “We will continue to work with our partners in China for the next stage of our panda program.”
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 the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA), the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other accredited zoos and conservation organizations, in an unprecedented international effort to prevent a panda extinction event.
Since then, conservation scientists around the world, including scientists from San Diego Zoo Global, have helped the Chinese people raise awareness for the plight of pandas in their native habitat. Bai Yun, Gao Gao (who returned to China in October 2018) and Bai Yun’s cubs—including her sixth cub Xiao Liwu—helped scientists learn a great deal about panda behavior, pregnancy, births, and maternal and geriatric care. This knowledge has contributed to Chinese efforts to help boost the wild population of giant pandas in China to nearly 2,000 individuals.
Building a sustainable population of giant pandas under human care has contributed to the growing population, and has provided pandas for reintroduction into protected areas in China. 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” the giant panda’s status 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 determined to create a plan to continue the conservation momentum, and the return of Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu to China is a part of that overall strategy.
Zoo guests and panda fans all over the globe are invited to continue sharing their memories of pandas and their hopes for the species on their social media channels—using #pandas4ever.
A tribute to the Pandas should continue! A small cove could be made in the shape of a Panda could be made. Tourist could walk through
to see panda pictures or movie on panda conservation. The Bell & well wishes could be displayed behind glass. Keep this special time & years alive for many years to come
A tribute to the Pandas should continue! A small cove could be made in the shape of a Panda could be made. Tourist could walk through
to see panda pictures or movie on panda conservation. The Bell & well wishes could be displayed behind glass. Keep this special time & years alive for many years to come
Indeed, it is passing of an era, with no more giant pandas onsite, at SDZ.
In 1869, at Sichuan, Pere Armand David saw a black/white pelt, and was presented with specimen of killed (?sub-adult) panda. A lot has transpired since. While panda status is now ‘vulnerable’ (instead of endangered), much still remains to be done, in species conservation, plus habitat preservation.
I remember reading, a previous San Diego Zoo blog, on how its horticulturists plus keepers, harvest and prepare bamboo, for consumption by giant/red pandas.
Bamboo is grown on grounds of Escondido Safari Park, a sister institution to San Diego Zoo. While Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu have departed, there are other animals on exhibit here, which eat bamboo. Examples include: red pandas, bamboo lemurs (of Madagascar), takins (consume bamboo leaves),and mountain gorillas of Africa (occasionally). Bon Appetit!
Young bamboo shoots are in season. Pandas are picky eaters. Hence, different Sichuan varieties are being offered, to Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu, for them to choose. Conveniently, there is bamboo farm right onsite, at Dujiangyan.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment deleted as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global. Wildlife education is important to us, and we will not allow comments that are inaccurate or speculate about policies or procedures at other zoos and wildlife parks.
To Jim: Yun Zi Sighting.
At ABC News site, 1/30/2019 video, ‘Giant Panda at Hebei Taking a Nap’.
Shijiazhuang/Hebei Zoo, currently has 2 pandas, Yun Zi (b. 2009, SDZ), and a much older male (? age 18). Judging from body size, that featured panda, most likely, was Yun Zi. He was scratching his hind limbs, followed by napping in his bedroom. He will be age 10 this August, and should have already attained, sexual maturity. It will be of interest, to see whether Yun Zi could be recalled to Bifengxia, for 2020 spring mating season.
Hi, Howard:
Leaving China as a 5 y.o. sub-adult, Bai Yun has returned home, as a geriatric bear. Her former Wolong keepers themselves, are now middle-aged, and might have retired. They sure will be delighted, to welcome her back.
Previously, Sichuan staff have handled scores of other overseas returnees, Gao Gao, Shi Shi and Wu’s older siblings included. Hence, they know how to ease, both Mr. Wu and Bai Yun, in their acclimatization.
News from Dujiangyan
Besides young shoots, different bamboo species are being offered to, Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu, for their selection. Upon arrival, both had veterinary exams, and deemed to be healthy. During 30-day quarantine period, they will be introduced to
Chinese keepers.
For Bai Yun, it is re-acquaintance with Sichuan food, plus may be, reunion with her former keepers. Judged from photos and video footage, both are settling down, in land of their ancestors.
Panda Loan Program
Most people are familiar with overseas agreements, like ones at U.S. zoos. These are research loans, focusing on species conservation in the wild. Breeding is only secondary.
Within China, there is also domestic loan arrangement. Chinese zoos can acquire pandas, from two Sichuan breeding centers (CCRCGP and Chengdu Research Base); as renewable 3-year loans, at US$84,000 equivalent per pair, annually.
While there is no research requirement, Chinese zoos are expected to educate visiting public, on importance of species conservation, and habitat preservation. With a few exceptions, such zoos do not engage in panda breeding.
Example: After repatriation, SDZ-born Yun Zi was sent, in 2015, to Shijiazhuang/Hebei; in exchange for another panda, returning to Sichuan for mating . Yun Zi’s loan was renewed last year. However, he can be recalled to Bifengxia, if he is selected to participate, in 2020 spring breeding scheme.
That Hebei zoo has conducted educational camps, for local school children. During such sessions, kids get to visit Yun Zi, behind the scenes (Separated by protective barriers, for obvious safety reasons).
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment deleted as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global. Wildlife education is important to us, and we will not allow comments that are inaccurate or speculate about policies or procedures at other zoos and wildlife parks.
Bye-bye Bai Yun. Good-bye Mr. Wu.
We’ll miss you…
We visited San Diego Zoo in 2016 just to see you!
We hope you enjoy your new home!
Bai Yun and Gao Gao, now belong to Dujiangyan Association of Retired Pandas. Though, they are not the oldest residents there.
Oldest panda at Dujiangyan Center: A female, about age 36. Currently, she is the oldest panda still alive.
Oldest MALE panda still living, estimated age 33, Hong Kong resident, and cub-hood companion, to Bai Yun’s late father.
Guinness Record – Oldest Panda Ever Lived: A female, died in 2016, at age 38 (estimated).
Perhaps, eventually, either Gao or Bai, would claim such longevity tittles. Meanwhile, hope they enjoy retirement living, in tranquil countryside setting.
From 7/1987 to 2/1988, under short-term travelling loan arrangement, SDZ briefly hosted 2 pandas.
In early 1990s, negotiation began anew, for another panda pair. Process was held up temporarily, by import moratorium then in place. Finally, under new long-term research loan scheme, Bai Yun and Shi Shi (d. 2008, in China), arrived in 1996. Agreement was renewed twice, in 2008 and 2013.
Bai Yun’s length of stay in San Diego: 22 years & 7 months, 9/16/1996 – 5/15/2019.
Negotiation to acquire pandas, can take years.
Why giant pandas are so alluring?
Physique: Round face, Mickey mouse-sized ears, big black eye patches, roly-poly appearance.
Sit down to eat, with use of pseudo-thumbs.
Both young and adult pandas, prove attractive to humans. Hence, it is portrayed as a symbol, for species conservation.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment edited as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global. Wildlife education is important to us, and we will not allow comments that are inaccurate or speculate about policies or procedures at other zoos and wildlife parks.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment deleted as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global. Wildlife education is important to us, and we will not allow comments that are inaccurate or speculate about policies or procedures at other zoos and wildlife parks.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment deleted as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global. Wildlife education is important to us, and we will not allow comments that are inaccurate or speculate about policies or procedures at other zoos and wildlife parks.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment deleted as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global. Wildlife education is important to us, and we will not allow comments that are inaccurate or speculate about policies or procedures at other zoos and wildlife parks.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment deleted as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global. Wildlife education is important to us, and we will not allow comments that are inaccurate or speculate about policies or procedures at other zoos and wildlife parks.
Hosting giant pandas, a vulnerable species for conservation, is a noble goal.
Potentially, revenue gains could come from gate receipts, membership subscriptions, and sale of memorabilia etc.
Nevertheless, there are additional expenditure outlays, besides loan fees. Expenses like insurance, bamboo procurement, enclosure construction/upkeep, research, staff salaries/benefits, among others.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment edited as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global. Wildlife education is important to us, and we will not allow comments that are inaccurate or speculate about policies or procedures at other zoos and wildlife parks.
For overseas-born offspring of loaned pandas, age for repatriation is at age 3, or 4 years (Though, two zoos return theirs, at age 2).
China has granted temporary reprieves only to three, Xiao Liwu and two of his cousins, by extending their stays abroad. For Mr. Wu himself, he was originally stipulated to depart, after his fourth birthday, in 2016. That was deferred, till 2018. Then, his “visa” was further extended, for 9 more months. Finally, he was officially recalled, returning to land of his ancestors, on 5/16/2019; together with mom Bai Yun, whose own agreement expired last September, and was not renewed.
Fun Fact: There are no pandas, on continents of Africa, Antarctica, and South America.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment edited as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global. Wildlife education is important to us, and we will not allow comments that are inaccurate or speculate about policies or procedures at other zoos and wildlife parks.
Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu seem cool ! Good news !:-)
Total number of giant pandas, under managed care: 548, China plus overseas combined, as of last November.
There will be additions, with upcoming birthing season; as well as, deaths from old age, or diseases, presumably.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment edited as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global.
Dujiangyan Base also functions as a research institute. Counting Bai Yun and Gao Gao, there are now probably, more than one dozen panda seniors there. It will be excellent opportunity, to study panda aging, since captive pandas tend to live longer, versus wild counterparts..
Like humans, diseases are more prevalent in these geriatric bears. Cataracts, high blood pressure, heart disease, degenerative arthritis, and cancer, just to name a few.
To Cynthia: Affirmative.
There is 5/17/2019 YouTube video, ‘Giant Pandas Bai Yun & Xiao Liwu Returned to China’ (title translated from Spanish), posted by China Xinhua Espanol, duration: 1 minute.
It showed Wu and Bai, exploring their spacious, separate/individual, outside enclosures, at Dujiangyan Base. While the narration is in Spanish, footage is self explanatory.
Indeed, standard protocol, for international transfer of panda(s), calls for chaperonage of one keeper, plus a veterinarian, on aboard the flight.
Per Chinese news media, CEO of San Diego Zoo Global, and its chief scientist, were also present during handover ceremony, at Dujiangyan. So, at least four SDZ staff members, escorted Bai & Wu, back to their ancestral homeland.
Bai Yun at Dujiangyan
For video-oriented folks, see 5/16/2019 YouTube video, ‘Giant Pandas Welcomed Home in SW China’. posted by CGTN, duration: 1 minute.
It showed crate (with Bai inside), being unloaded from the truck. Additional footage: Bai enjoying young Sichuan bamboo shoots, in her new bedroom.
Presumably, in coming days, someone may upload a video, displaying Xiao Liwu at Dujiangyan, as well.
Meanwhile, scroll down to read Panda Nation’s 5/18, and Briggette’s 5/16 comments; for websites with pictures of Wu plus Bai, at their new homes.
The pair departed San Diego, on 5/15 Wednesday a.m., accompanied by several SDZ staff (more than the usual two). Most likely, their flight took off from LAX, to Hong Kong. Then, a connecting flight to Chengdu, followed by escorted truck ride to Dujiangyan. They arrived safely, at final destination, on 5/16 mid-afternoon, local time.
There is a short snippet of their arrival posted on youtube.
More photos and news, for Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu, at Dujiangyan.
At www(dot)panda(dot)fr/ [For non-Francophones, use Google or Bing toolbar, for English translation]:
Its 5/17/2019 article, described their flight itinerary (with stops at Hong Kong & Chengdu). There are 5 photos, taken at their new Dujiangyan home,
Chinese staff greeting their truck, as it arrived at the base.
Two pictures of Bai Yun, in her new bedroom, plus exploring outdoor surroundings.
Two photos of Wu, eating bamboo leaves, and strolling in his outdoor courtyard.
As a bonus, multiple photos of the duo, taken by a visitor on 4/16/19, while they were still at SDZ, are featured as well.
Facial recognition technology to identify individual giant pandas.
Evidently, such app has been used, to track lost pets. Now, scientists want to apply it to pandas, together with existing database of panda photos and videos.
From breeding perspective, for U.S. returnees in China.
All 3 daughters of Bai Yun, now have their own offspring. Progeny of Hua Mei, also have given Bai, four great-children (2 males & 2 females), to-date.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment edited as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global.
Several adult pandas, now at other overseas zoos, are approaching geriatric age. In coming years, they too, will be recalled. China does not allow its pandas, be “permanently stranded”, away from their ancestral homeland.
Blog Monitor’s note: Comment edited as per SDZG Comment Policy: Comments focusing on other zoos and facilities may also be edited or deleted. We reserve the right to edit or delete your comment if it contains material not pertinent to the blog topic or to San Diego Zoo Global.
so glad that everyone (humans and pandas) arrived safely to china. bai yun and mr. wu will be greatly missed, but they are now home with their family.
True, except for Shi Shi (2003), Gao Gao (2018), and Bai Yun (2019); all the other panda returnees are overseas-born, being repatriated as sub-adults.
Starting with 2004 repatriation of Hua Mei, CCRCGP (China Conservation & Research Centre for Giant Pandas) has welcomed home, 17 returnees. Likewise, Chengdu Panda Research Base has also witnessed, its share of repatriated pandas (? number).
Majority of them are born overseas. To-date, every single one has thrived in China.
Young bamboo shoots are in season. Judged from photos, shown on ipanda website, both Bai Yun and Mr. Wu, are enjoying the Sichuan variety. Cheers!
Disposition of SDZ returnees, post 30-day quarantine
Bai Yun: Her permanent abode, will be at Dujiangyan Base’s retirement home section, where other panda seniors reside, including Gao Gao.
Xiao Liwu: He has several post-quarantine options,
1) Move onto Gengda Base at Shenshuping (new Wolong Panda Center, at “God Tree Mound”), where there are 50 enclosures, housing sub-adults, plus adults not selected for breeding.
2) Stay put at Dujiangyan, should other enclosure openings exist (That was what happened to, brother Yun Zi, who lived there, from 2/2014 to early 5/2015; before relocating to Hebei, in exchange for another panda returning to Sichuan for breeding).
3) Go to a Chinese zoo, under China’s domestic panda loan program (renewable at 3-year intervals). That was the arrangement for Yun Zi.
Currently, staff and enclosures at Bifengxia, are tied up, for 2019 breeding & birthing season. Albeit, if Wu is selected for 2020 breeding scheme, then he would go there next year, as Bifengxia is the breeding facility, for CCRCGP.
Note:
SDZ usually turns over, panda husbandry videos, together with veterinary medical records, to Chinese counterparts, upon repatriation. Most training utilizes, hand & body signals, which are universally deployed. Hence, transfer of care should not be a problem.
In event verbal ques be needed, Dujiangyan has an experienced, bilingual English-Chinese keeper, skillful in handling panda returnees (e.g., Wu’s siblings, and his U.S.-born relatives).
With passage of time, they should acclimatize to Mandarin spoken with Sichuan accent, as well as Chinese bamboo.
Sichuan cuisine is hot and spicy. Wonder whether it would set, Wu’s taste buds “on fire” (Just kidding)!
Webcams at Dujiangyan Center
At bottom of ipanda(dot)com homepage, there are 2 panda cams devoted to Dujiangyan, while three are for Chengdu Research Base. Use Google or Bing toolbar, for translation into English, or another language.
At explore(dot)org website, its panda cams alternate between Bifengxia, and Gengda Bases.
Dujiangyan Centre (Dujiangyan Panda Centre for Disease Control, Prevention & Research)
Established in 2012, it is one of three campuses, for CCRCGP (The other two being Bifengxia & Gengda). Located about 55 km. (34 miles), NW from Chengdu (provincial capital of Sichuan), it occupies 126 acres, amidst scenic slopes of Mt. Qingcheng.
A non-breeding facility, it has 40 enclosures. Ten of which are set aside, for quarantine, treatment/rehabilitation of sick, injured giant or red pandas. The other areas consist of:
Retirement Section, where Bai Yun will be in company of her geriatric peers, Gao Gao included.
Panda hospital, and research laboratory (open to international scientists).
Bamboo farm, and kitchen (where keepers prepare bamboo feeds, plus other food supplements).
Conference Center (See 7/4/2015 SDZ panda blog, ‘Successful Giant Panda Workshop’), and staff housing.
Public reception, educational hall, plus cafeteria.
For virtual tour, see 10/18/2015 YouTube video, ‘Tour of CCRCGP Dujiangyan Panda Base’, posted by PDXWildlife.
Additional Notes:
5/12 – 5/25/2019 China Tour, sponsored by SDZ Global, includes visit to Dujiangyan.
Do NOT confuse this facility, with two others in same region:
Dujiangyan National Park, where there are wild pandas.
Dujiangyan Panda Valley, a different institution administered separately by, Chengdu Research Base.
Dujiangyan takes its name, from Dujiangyan Irrigation System (UNESCO World Heritage Site), constructed in 256 BCE, and is still in use today. A hydraulic engineering project, designed for flood control, has turned Sichuan Plain (“land between 4 rivers”), into fertile agricultural basin.
Arrival of SDZ pandas in China.
Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu are now under, routine 30-day quarantine, at Dujiangyan Centre (of CCRCGP). Their arrival was greeted by local schoolchildren. Welcome speeches were delivered by Chinese staff, American Consulate General from Chengdu, as well as SDZ director and chief scientist.
Above story is posted at, ipanda(dot)com website (Use Google or Bing toolbar, for English translation). Four photos show Bai & Wu, at their new residences. Both were munching young bamboo shoots. For Bai, it was her first taste of Sichuan bamboo, since 9/16/1996.
Gutted that I will no longer see my favourite Mr Woo via webcam. Watched him from the moment he was born and boy what a character. His mum was so so patient with her cheeky youngest but what a joy.
My favourite memory of him was when he was quite young and he came out of his cave covered head to toe in wood shavings. He just walked around as if that was what youngsters did.
I hope he and his mum both settle in China and wish them all the best.
I found so the information (instagram ipanda)…
“ipandachannel
Bai Yun, the 27-year-old female giant panda, and her son, six-year-old Xiao Liwu, returned to their ancestral homeland in China from the @sandiegozoo on May 16. They had a smooth trip and both were in good condition when moving into their new home at the Dujiangyan base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan province. Xiao Liwu seemed to enjoy the welcoming food a lot.”
Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu are no longer at the San Diego Zoo. They have arrived safely in China.
Panda Conservation Initiative
China has announced a funded plan, to create national park, three times the size of Yellowstone Park. It will encompass 70 extant panda reserves, across provinces of Gansu, Shaanxi and Sichuan.
Connecting corridors, with forest/bamboo habitats, are to be established; thereby allowing pandas to migrate, for foraging, a/o seeking mates.
Affected humans will be given financial subsidies, to relocate elsewhere. For folks not willing to leave, they will be retrained for other livelihoods, such as ecotourism etc.
Above undertakings are to be overseen, by a single national government agency.
With imminent repatriation approaching, wish Bai & Wu Bon Voyage, “Yi Lu Ping An”!
Implication of Panda “Pooh” sighting.
One week ago, local villager saw a giant panda, near Liziping Nature Reserve. When forest rangers went to investigate, they found fresh panda feces, plus bamboo bite fragments, probably left behind by a young sub-adult (? 2 year-old). Samples were collected, for further scientific analyses, to determine whether that creature could be offspring, of pandas previously released into the wild.
Located in SW Sichuan, comprising 66,000 hectares, Liziping serves as a connecting corridor, between two mountain ranges. Per 4th (2013) census, there are 25 wild pandas there. Since 2012, seven pandas have been released, into this reserve.
Starting in 2017, San Diego Zoo Global becomes first of several western institutions, to participate in ‘Returning Pandas to the Wild’ pilot program. At Wolong Nature Reserve, an American-led team installed cameras; at Hetaoping (phase 1 training site), and Tiantaishan (“Heavenly Terrace Hill”, phase 2 site). Such infrared cameras, mounted upon tree trunks; utilize motion-triggered technology, while allow non-obtrusive monitoring, 24/7. Digital video footage can be downloaded instantaneously, or saved for later analysis. Retrieved images can be shared among scientists, in real time.
While this is passing of an era, nonetheless, it is continuation of another. Envision, at Foping Nature Reserve/Shaanxi Province, SDZ involvement will continue, together with Chinese Academy of Sciences. Further, SDZ participation, in ‘Panda Release into the Wild’ project, in collaboration with CCRCGP, will proceed as well.
These undertakings might not receive, extensive media coverage. However, they are important modern missions, for any zoo.
Interest in Giant Pandas, during 19th, 20th and 21st centuries
1869 – 1936: Race by western museums, to obtain panda specimens, for display as stuffed exhibits.
1937 – 1958: Western zoos purchased pandas from animal dealers, to serve merely as live exhibits.
1941, 1957 – 1982: Panda diplomatic gifting, to 9 countries.
1985 – 1990: Short-term travelling loans. Even amusement parks & county fairgrounds, wanted to rent pandas.
1990 – 1995: Moratorium on panda imports.
1996 – current: Long-term research loans, for scientific studies, to assist species conservation in the WILD.
My sincerest thanks to China for such a great opportunity, and to all San Diego Zoo staff involved in this program! I feel fortunate to have been able to see Bai Yun and her cubs over these 23 years. I miss them terribly already. 😢 I hope that China will once again send us a panda 🐼 to fall in love with! Until then, I will treasure my memories of Bai Yun and her cubs.
Will you continue to sell panda merchandise in the gift shops?
Blog Monitor’s note: Yes! And online at shopzoo.com 🙂
Anxiously awaiting to know when our precious pandas are in their new home in China?
Blog Monitor’s note: We will update when we have something to share. 🙂