Mei Lan and Lun LunZoo Atlanta
~June, 2007
I'm sure many of you have heard that 2 US-born pandas were relocated to China last week. Every panda living in the U.S., even those born here, must eventually be returned to their motherland. Mei Lan, from Zoo Atlanta and Tai Shan, from the National Zoo in Washington, made the 14-hour flight to China on FedEx's Panda Express.
Zoo attendance doubled after Mei Lan's birth in September, 2006. I was present for the naming ceremony in December, 2006 and when Mei Lan made her public debut in February, 2007.
When she was 9 months old, Hubby and I visited the zoo and spent the day watching Mei Lan, her mother, Lun Lun, and Papa Bear, Yang Yang. I'm not a big fan of most zoos, but as a "panda-lover" I couldn't miss this opportunity.
I will miss visiting Mei Lan (Atlanta Beauty), and I wish her well in her new home at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu.
Check out Zoo Atlanta's Panda Cam.
Happy Trails,
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25 comments:
Mom spent many a moment watching the DC AND San Diego Panda Khams!
Thank woo fur sharing your memories with them!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
We took the girls to the zoo this summer and the pandas were the biggest hit of the day.... well, after the playground if truth be told.
That is beautiful news for the panda's, but sad because you have to say goodbye. Wishing them a happy life too.
YOUR FRIEND IN SOUTH AFRICA
We didn't realize that Pandas living outside China has to be returned to their motherland! The Singapore Zoo will be getting a pair of baby pandas from China by 2012. They'll be here on a 10 year loan and I hope we can get to visit them when they come...
I share your exact same sentiment about the Pandas because Tai Shan was from "my neck of the woods." While I know that their return to China was/is for a good cause, I was a bit sad as I watched their departure on the news Thursday. The parents of Tai Shan are to be returned to China at the end of the year--But we are all hopeful that won't happen...
Beautiful pics. So sorry she had to leave, but I do recall those arrangements. Is there any way to check on progress? SH
so sad to see her go! i didn't know they all had to return....
happy week to you!
xoxo
Pandas are beautiful creatures, no doubt about it! Glad you got to see them! I have never seen one.
Liz
Hi Ms. K
Great post!!! We are big panda lovers too. I still have my daughter's large stuffed panda....she named Biggie. She and Biggie had lots of tea parties.
Madi and Mom
I hope they do well in their new home. Fascinating animals they are.
I have spent many hours watching the zoo cam. It really must have been fun seeing them in person! You sure look cute as a Panda Kit!
I saw Mei Lan's care giver on the news. She was holding back the tears talking about her journey to China. I felt so bad for her, but it's a wonderful thing they are doing. Maybe she'll get to go visit Mei Lan.
Very cool -- thank you for sharing!
I knew that they were returning to China... That's kinda sad, isn't it???? Glad you got to see them!!!!
Bet your pooches would be jealous to know that you like PANDAS... ha ha
Great pictures, Kit.
Hugs,
Betsy
I love pandas! I saw on the news where they were going to China which is sad for us. You were very lucky to be there in 2006, that had to be special!
You know coons are in the panda family don't you?? I too LOVE Pandas!!! As I love coons.
Beets!! We buy fresh beets every week. We have been putting the tops in the critter food. A couple of weeks ago I tasted them. Not bad!! Last Saturday I put them in our stir fry!! It was wonderful!!!
The coons will not be getting anymore nutritious beet tops!!
Unless we have some to spare.
Kiss the pups, Bambi & Fern
Awwwww Kit....you made such a cute panda. Hope they have a great life back in China...
Gee, thanks for the update. We used to be big followers on the updates and then we lost track. Going to check the links you provided. Thank you :)
Twink!
Mom was sad to hear that the two pandas had to go back to China. We hope their trip was smooth and not too traumatic for them. What a nice picture of you.
Woos, Phantom and Thunder
Awwwwwwwwwwww....
we love Panda....are sooooo cute....
and we watched Panda cam...GREAT!!!
Thanks for sharing!!!!!
That is beautiful news for the pandas but we're so sorry for you because you have to say goodbye to them!!!!....
We wish them a happy life too!!!!!!!
Good luck guys!!!!!!!!
Have a great day dear friends!!!!
LICKS AND KISSES
Oh that is so cool and they are so cute...
Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
Hummmm, Retired Elem. Teacher??? So's my mom! I'm just sayin'.
I think it is sad the pandas all had to go back to China!!
It is great that the breading programme is doing so well
Apparently some pandas are coming to Singapore soon! I can't wait, cos they look so big and cute! Hope I can sneak into the zoo.
Sonic
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