Unless you've been hiding under a rock the news has been full of the departure of two giant pandas from America to China.
Mei Lan
Mei Lan
美兰 649
2006-Sep-06
Female
Chengdu Zoological Garden
Zoo Atlanta
Lun Lun - #452
Jiu Jiu - #461
has gone to the Chengdu Research Centre in Chengdu and
Tai Shan
Tai Shan
BillyLily 泰山 595
2005-Jul-09
Male
Xi Xia Mouth Rongcheng, Shandong
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Mei Xiang - #473
Tian Tian - #458
has gone to Bifengxia (BFX) part of the Wolong reserves.
They're transportation was donated by FedEx and were sent on FedEx's new Panda Express Plane. After an 15 hour flight they landed safely at Chengdu Airport where they were given an heroes welcome.
It seems that
Tai Shan
Tai Shan
BillyLily 泰山 595
2005-Jul-09
Male
Xi Xia Mouth Rongcheng, Shandong
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Mei Xiang - #473
Tian Tian - #458
has settled in quickly munching down local bamboo, carrots and apples though not too keen on the Chinese version of Panda Bread.
Mei Lan
Mei Lan
美兰 649
2006-Sep-06
Female
Chengdu Zoological Garden
Zoo Atlanta
Lun Lun - #452
Jiu Jiu - #461
had a little more trouble adjusting but appears to be settling down now.
Tai Shan
Tai Shan
BillyLily 泰山 595
2005-Jul-09
Male
Xi Xia Mouth Rongcheng, Shandong
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Mei Xiang - #473
Tian Tian - #458
and
Mei Lan
Mei Lan
美兰 649
2006-Sep-06
Female
Chengdu Zoological Garden
Zoo Atlanta
Lun Lun - #452
Jiu Jiu - #461
were both born in America as part of the breeding programme at The National Zoo and Zoo Atlanta. As part of the agreement with China any panda cubs born belong to China and must be sent after their 2nd birthday. Tai and Mei got to stay a little longer after the horrendous earthquake on May 12th 2008 which destroyed the Wolong research centre.