Singapore Zoo has started making preparations to receive two giant pandas in August 2011.

The zoo have already set samples of bamboo for two year old Hu Bao and three year old Wu Jie to try, and will begin growing planting 8,000 square meters of bamboo plantation.

Singapore is warmer than what the pair are used to so specially built areas will keep them at temperatures they are more accustomed to.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore are also planning to start a breeding programme, and everyone is very confident that the pair will breed, when they reach around 7-8 years of age.

It is with great sadness that we report that an 30 year old giant panda Chuan Chuan who lived in Shanghai Zoo passed away last month.

He was wild born and captured around 1981 in Baoting and transfered to Shanghai. He was moved a few times between Shanghai and Chongoing and spent some time in Beijing before making Shanghai his home in 2001.

He sired 9 cubs including Le Le at Memphis Zoo, and was grandfather to Le Le at Hong Kong Ocean Park.

It is with great sadness that we have to report that Devra G. Kleiman passed away on April 29th.

Devra was a ground breaking biologist with a career of over 40 years most of which was at the National Zoo Washington.

Devra lead the team that tried to breed Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling and was instrumental in showing zoo's that they could help save endangered species.

Zoo scientists have confirmed with an ultrasound and hormone analysis that Mei Xiang is not Pregnant, but was experiencing an pseudo pregnancy.

Over 40 members of staff and volunteers have been carefully watching Mei Xiang over the weekend, when her hormone levels went back to their normal levels which indicates that she will either give birth or stop the pseudo pregnancy.

I wish to thank everyone involved with taking care and watching Mei Xiang for their efforts. Lets hope it's better news next year.