Panda News from around the world
The Smithsonian's National Zoo Washington DC, has said that it has begun 24 hour surveillance of Mei Xiang, to watch over her in case she is pregnant.
More than 40 volunteers and staff will keep vigil to watch her, using 38 cameras set up inside the giant panda habitat.
You can be part of the watch by viewing the online Panda Cam you might be lucky to see the birth if there is one.
Three pandas Xi Dou, Jin Xin and Hua Long will be relocated to Anhui Xiuning China for a period of two years, as part of an research agreement. Between the two centres.
A few days ago staff from Anhui visited BFX for training and to build trust between the pandas and their new keepers. An experienced "breeder" will accompany the pandas to provide further training for the staff and ensure the well being of the pandas
The Chengdu Panda Research Centre has signed an agreement with Bee Garden Co. Ltd. from Sichuan Yang to be the sole provider of Honey to the centre.
Bee Garden donated 2000kg of honey to the centre.
Hello everyone,
Just wanted to apologise to everyone as we're currently having a few problems with "The Pandas" section of the web site.
A few images aren't being displayed on the main pages and in the process of updating them some of the pandas are being marked as dying in 2010. I have had no reports so far of any pandas dying this year, so please ignore this field for now. I apologise if this has caused any stress to you.
The Hong Kong Post office has released a set of stamps featuring "Amazing Asian Animals" including out favourite the Giant Panda.
Some more Photos of the 2009 cubs at play
China Panda has released some wonderful photos of their 2009 cubs. I just had to pass of for you all to see. I especially like number 5.
The Adelaide Panda Cam has now gone live. Follow the reference for the link
Yang Yang and Long Hui, have been busy making babies, drawing crowds at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo despite days of non-stop rain.
The pair surprised everyone in 2007 when Yang Yang give birth to her first cup Fu Long, (who is now is Bifengxia) after a successful natural mating in the spring of that year.
"Science has it pandas are generally reluctant when it comes to mating and very poor lovers – but try telling that to this pair. We simply can't stop them," laughed one keeper.
Lets hope for another brother or sister for Fu Long
Around the 20th of April 2010, Hua Long, Jin Xin (Born in 2007) and Xi dou (Born in 2006) will be moved to a new Giant Panda Ecological Park, in Anhui Xinuning, China. The park is due to open on April 28th 2010.
Reports are coming in about plans to hold the 4th panda Census. The information collected will help to plan how best to help pandas in the wild in the future.
Surveys have been taken in China since the 1970's. The last survey revealed that china has a total of 1,596 pandas including 1,200 in Sichuan. Another smaller study using DNA profiling of panda poo collected hinted that the number could actually be twice this.
The new study will use DNA testing as this provides a more accurate number.
The world expo kicks off soon in Shainhai China, to mark the event Expo 2010 has released Gold Bullion and Medals which feature our favourite animal, the Giant Panda.
They include single and suit series, the images were created by famous Chinese painter Wang Yong Shen.
In total 39.9 tons of silver were used and 1.45 tons of gold to create the limited edition sets.
Now how do I get one of these?