Panda News from around the world
I have received a reply from the wonderful people at Colchester zoo. They told me that back in 2005 the directors of Colchester Zoo were invited to the Chengdu breeding centre, to view the facilities and discuss the possibilities of a joint breeding project with China's leading breeding specialists of Giant Pandas. At that time, Colchester Zoo confirmed an interest in providing the enclosure and breeding facilities that would be necessary, should the Chinese government wish to involve a UK zoo in their captive breeding programme.
Vanessa Hull a student that spent three months earlier this year trying to capture wild pandas so they can be fitted with radio collars and released so the pandas habits can be tracked, is heading back to continue the study.
The area she is going back to will have changed beyond recognition, due to the Earthquake on May 12th. She didn't have much luck capturing pandas last time even though there was lots of evidence that they were around. She has had to come up with better ideas of capturing them.
There is a news story over at the Express website about how there might be pandas at Zoo's in the UK in the near future. Zoos include Edinburgh (Who are preparing a dossier for the Chinese, and are expecting a visit from officials in the next few months), London Zoo and Colchester zoo.
Currently there is no official confirmation for either London or Colchester zoos. I have been in contact with the London zoo and they have said they they will keep me informed. I will attempt to get in contact with the press office at Colchester Zoo.
If I hear anything I will of course let your all know.
Follow the reference link below some interesting facts about Yuan Yuan and Tuan Tuan the pair of pandas destined to go to Taiwan.
Experts at Wolong and Bifenxia have said that they are expecting more pandas that usual in trouble during the winter as they struggle to find food after the quake destroyed a large portion of bamboo. The bamboo is expected to recover but not quick enough for the pandas this year. As the food becomes less pandas wonder in to areas where people are asking for help. Due to education to the villagers from the Chinese government, pandas are no longer seen as threats and the villagers help them, taking them to the Research Centres.
This little guy is the beautiful panda that I was lucky enough to have my photo with. He's here resting before his big performance with me.
This is another little panda that was being fed as the same time as yesterdays picture. S/he was very sweet and was "Crawling" all over his blanket and under his cushion.
This little panda was just being fed and encouraged to go toilet when I went to the Panda Kindergarten to talk to one of the staff there about my flight to Shanghai.
When pandas are born they are very undeveloped and need lots of care and attention from mum / keepers as they can not do a lot of things for themselves.
... and the other one was sitting up the tree watching the world go by. He was actually up the tree when we went for dinner and later when I went to the Kindergarten to have my photo taken he was still there.
On October 28th a villager from Tangjiahe Nature Reserve, found a panda in poor condition roaming near their home and drove it to Bifengxia early on the 29th where it was examined and given medical care.
It took the veterinaries 6 hours to get the panda in a stable condition. Further tests have been taken and the panda rests on the hospital ward recovering.
Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) have donated a million RMB worth of scientific research equipment to Chengdu Research Centre.
The equipment will be used to replace equipment that was damaged during the earthquake on May 12th.
The equipment was sent soon after the quake when it was really needed but a donation ceremony was held at the Base at 1430 on October 28, 2008. To thank WRS for their kind donation at their time of need.
A WWF (World Wildlife Fund) has issued a report that if the temperature raises than pandas could move from the Southeast of Sichuan to the Northeast. This could have major effects of the local economy as nearly a third of jobs and revenue are in the tourism industry caused by the popularity of the pandas.