The giant panda conservation program has always been a collaborative one, and we have always worked closely with our Chinese colleagues along the way. Under the umbrella of giant panda conservation, we have developed a deep mutual respect and countless friendships. At this time, China has expressed their interest in having Gao Gao spend his last years in his home country. With respect for these wishes, our animal care team has spent much time and effort preparing Gao Gao for his journey home. We all know that he will be well cared for and loved when he settles into his new home, but it is still extraordinarily hard to say goodbye. Gao Gao is no ordinary bear: he has made immense contributions to our understanding of giant pandas as a species, and he has enriched the lives of all that have been fortunate to get to know him. I will miss him dearly.
Special Things, Big and Small
Having spent the last 22 years observing giant pandas around the world, I can say in all truth that there is very little about Gao Gao that is “typical.” Of course, like most pandas, Gao Gao spends a lot (a lot!) of his time sleeping, but somehow he has always seemed to sleep longer and more deeply than the average bear. His very furry paws seem extraordinarily furry, and his peaceful panda demeanor is extra sweet. These traits aside, the most prominent feature of Gao Gao’s legacy will be his contribution to our understanding of social behavior in giant pandas, and the fact that he produced more offspring through natural breeding than any other male giant panda in North America.
Small in stature, sweet in disposition, and having had no experience with a breeding female prior to coming to the San Diego Zoo in 2003, Gao Gao’s potential as a breeding male was not known. But when Bai Yun came into estrus soon after Gao Gao’s arrival, he quickly provided us with a demonstration of just how a giant panda male handles courtship and natural breeding! Gao Gao showed us that he was very interested in Bai Yun’s scent, both spending a larger proportion of his time investigating her scent and by responding in turn with his own version of the handstand scent mark that is unique to giant panda males. As Bai Yun moved through her estrus and her most prominent mode of communication switched to vocalizations, Gao Gao responded in kind with his own bleats. Finally, as Bai Yun’s behavior changed in a way that told us that she was ready to ovulate and that she would be receptive to mating, Gao Gao’s level of activity and Bai Yun-focused behavior increased.
When the time came to provide them with access to one another, we all watched (in complete silence!) as Gao Gao navigated the interaction with Bai Yun. And while we were a bit concerned that Gao Gao’s stature would leave him at a disadvantage (as Bai Yun was a substantially taller and larger than he) soon after their first nose to nose contact, Gao Gao seemed to size up the challenge and managed to navigate the courtship to a place in the enclosure that would improve his chances of success. The Giant Panda Team watched the interaction unfold, listening carefully for signs of trouble or success. After 20 minutes or so, we all heard a vocalization from Gao Gao that we had never heard before at the Giant Panda Research Station: a very special male bleat that signifies successful mating. Suffice it to say, we never doubted Gao Gao again!
Some Historical Context
To understand the programmatic impact of this first successful natural breeding between Gao Gao and Bai Yun, it’s important to understand the “state of the panda” at that time, and the experiences we had had at the San Diego Zoo with panda conservation breeding. In 1996, when Bai Yun and male Shi Shi first arrived at San Diego Zoo, the future for giant pandas appeared to be quite bleak. With fewer than 1,200 pandas remaining in the wild, a conservation breeding program was begun with the goal of establishing a sustainable panda population in China’s conservation centers and international zoos. Pandas born as a result of the breeding program would contribute to the reintroduction of individuals to wild, which in turn would augment the remaining free-ranging populations. However, the challenges of breeding giant pandas were great, and thus we, and our colleagues, embarked on a decades-long scientific journey focused on improving our understanding of the social needs of giant pandas.
Between 1996 and Gao Gao’s arrival at the San Diego Zoo in 2003, our efforts were continually thwarted by the complete disinterest in breeding demonstrated by Shi Shi. In discussions with our Chinese colleagues, we decided it best to exchange Shi Shi for another male, so that we could have an opportunity to study social and reproductive behavior in earnest. Having been rescued when he was a subadult, and smaller than your average bear, Gao Gao did not demonstrate any strong indications that he would be more interested in breeding, but our Panda Team moved forward full of hope. Suffice it to say that Gao Gao exceeded our hopes substantially and also showed us a slightly different version of successful male behavior. No doubt that had he had to compete with other males to breed with an estrus female, as he would have to in the wild, he would have to come up with a different approach to succeed. Over the years, it has been particularly fascinating to watch his communicative behavior—leaving very distinct marks along the walls of his enclosures where he has done countless handstand scent marks over the years.
Conservation Successes, New Challenges
The goals of San Diego Zoo’s Giant Panda Conservation Program have always been to use our expertise in science and animal care to contribute to the recovery of giant panda populations in the wild. Toward this end, the Giant Panda Team—an interdisciplinary group of San Diego Zoo scientists, keepers, veterinarians, and educators—has long focused on a range of projects that have provided important data and improved understanding of the social lives and ecological needs of these unique and charismatic bears. Importantly, as we have learned new aspects of panda ecology and biology, we have continually reevaluated our research priorities to ensure that we are effectively work towards the conservation of giant pandas as a species. In this way, some of the challenges we faced in 1996 are no longer challenges in 2018, while new challenges continue to emerge.
As of this writing, the status of giant pandas has improved, having been “downlisted” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) from Endangered to Vulnerable. This remarkable conservation success story was driven by an “all hands on deck” approach to conservation that has included large scale habitat preservation and a nascent reintroduction program that has been bolstered by a collaborative, international conservation breeding program. I am proud of the role that the San Diego Zoo has played in this effort.
San Diego Zoo Global will continue to work with our colleagues in China, to ensure the long-term survival of giant pandas in the wild and to conserve the habitat that pandas rely on, which holds countless other species of wildlife. While we are proud of the program’s successes, we know there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done to fulfill this long-term vision, and we will keep our sleeves rolled up accordingly!
UPDATE (November 2, 2018): Gao Gao has arrived safely in his new home in China and appears to be enjoying exploring his extensive, new outdoor habitat.
Megan Owen, Ph.D. is the director of Population Sustainability at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research.
Guinness Record for Panda Procreation
In 1980s, at Wolong Nature reserve, a pair of wild pandas were observed, in active mating. The entire encounter was timed, using a stop-watch. Duration: 70 minutes.
Total # of copulations: Many (That, too, was recorded by a scientist/observer, but I cannot recall the exact number).
This Guinness record has withstood the test of time. It has yet to be matched, or broken, by any mating within managed care setting.
Fun Fact: Panda Procreation.
For this year’s breeding season, at CCRCGP:
32 females participated in natural mating, 13 of whom also had artificial insemination.
14 males mated naturally, with 100 copulations total.
Result: 30 surviving cubs (No breakdown of singletons, versus twins).
No word on Hua Mei, Su Lin, or Mei Sheng. [ For Zhen Zhen, she was dispatched to Wolong Nature Reserve, last spring, for purpose of ‘mating in the wild’. No mention on, outcome of this endeavor].
Yun Zi, still at Hebei, has yet to breed.
Above statistics, does not include Chengdu Base.
To AL and David: Perhaps, one day, future descendants of Gao Gao & Bai Yun; may roam free amidst bamboo thickets, and be born free, under misty forest canopy, all in land of their ancestors. That would be the ULTIMATE, in panda conservation.
Hi, AL: I understand, ‘Panda Reintroduction’ was one area, discussed during this year’s International Panda Conference, held at Chengdu. Three senior SDZ staff members, just escorted Gao Gao to Sichuan. Presumably afterwards, they might attend the meeting. Perhaps, upon their return, they could share their insights, on that and other topics, with readers here.
Hi, David: Returning pandas to the Wild
Over 20 years ago, wild pandas were still being captured, so to replenish managed care population. Reintroduction concept was discussed, among conservationists, in 1990s. Training for release started in 2003, with first one (a relative of SDZ pandas) set free in 2006.
To-date, this nascent project has returned, 10 pandas to nature reserves; where the isolated population there, is at high risk of extinction, or inbreeding. Two returnees, now sexually mature, might separately have participated in mating, last spring. One could even sire an offspring (to be confirmed by paternity testing, at later date). If that holds true, it would be a significant step, in species conservation.
Since last year, SDZ Global Institute for Conservation Research, together with other international zoos, have collaborated with China, in such endeavor.
Panda Twin Survival
Panda gives birth to twins, about 50% of the time. In the wild, one cub will be rejected by its mom, and left to die.
Bai Yun herself is a twin. At birth, their mother only nursed Bai, while totally neglected her sister. Hand-reared solely in the nursery, the other twin succumbed to infection, at about 6 months of age.
Since then, many measures, including cub swapping, have been implemented. Now, twin survival under managed care, when born live, is approaching 95%.
Return to the Wild
By year’s end, a panda sub-adult, having completed its training; will be released to a nature reserve, near Dujiangyan, where the panda density is low.
True, a relaxed Wu, amidst late Autumn sunshine. Perhaps,when next spring arrives, he might be bleating, and scent-marking, all over the place. Will see.
Currently on webcam: High up on climbing structure, a relaxed Xiao Liwu, is engaged in people watching.
“What is life, if full of care, one has no time, to sit and stare?” True indeed, Wu!
To Moderator/SDZ IT Team/Panda Team:
I still cannot access ANY of the cams on the Fire tablet. This is the SAME issue that happened over the summer with the first header video. Myself and many users commented about it and your team fixed it. Please fix it again. I have included my actual email in my comments link in case you need it. This is obv a legacy issue. I would be happy to research the blog posts from last time and post links or email links to you. I don’t know what your team did, but please do it again. As a Keepers Club donor, I would appreciate it.
To Whoever William is,
Please stay out of this. If it was as simple as accessing from another device, I would. If you also reread the notes in my post you could see I also said I could not replicate the error on other devices, including PC and iPad. If you are actually a member of the zoo IT team, I would be happy to discuss this with you further. If not…please read comments posted more closely before commenting. This is s known issue that has already been successfully handled once before.
Blog Monitor’s note: Please check the email account you use for commenting—I’ve sent you a message to get some details that will help our Web Team figure this out.
Dear Panda Nation
I viewed and appreciated the text in French (le texte en français) 😉 Thank you !
Dear Laurence from France,
There are more digital photos of Gao Gao, taken shortly before his San Diego Zoo departure, as well as, after his arrival at Dujiangyan Panda Base in Sichuan, China. You can view them, at ‘www(dot)panda(dot)fr’ website.
On its homepage, under ‘Last Articles (Derniers Articles)’ section, there is 11/2/2018 article, entitled ‘The male Gao Gao left San Diego Zoo for his homeland’ (Le male Gao Gao a quitte le Zoo de San Diego pour sa terre d’origine). Complementing current SDZ blog (see above), it has an account of his early life in China, accompanied by multiple inserts of his handsome photos, all shot within last 10 days (Hence, very up-to-date).
Being a Francophone, you can read that passage with ease. Or, if you prefer, use its ‘Google toolbox’, to select another language.
Happy Reading and Viewing (“Lecture Heureuse et Regarde”)!
Thank for the beautiful photo that shows Gao Gao exploring its new habitat in China! 🙂
To Fifi:
With regular PC/laptop, Window 10/Google as internet browser, I am able to view SDZ panda cam, in real time. Currently, a panda, with its back turned towards camera, is busy with bamboo breakfast.
It might be a connectivity problem, with your Amazon Fire Tablet. Use another device for access, instead.
Conservationists envision 600 pandas, as self-sustaining managed-care colony, for next 200 years, to guard against climate change and habitat loss.
With current population size at 548, that projected goal will soon be achieved, within two to three years.
I am crying as I write this. I love Gao Gao so much and wish him well always.
I came here to say that I cannot access the Panda Cam anymore since teh October free kids video was removed.
I am using an amazon fire tablet. I think it is due to the same issue you fixed this summer.
Please alert your IT team and have them, change it back. I don’t know what they did but it was working and now it isnt.
I get a flash of the cam and then it goes black. I cannot replicate the issue on any other devices (PC, ipad).
The same issue happened when you first put header videos on the cams, then others had this issue and you fixed it.
Please have IT fix it again.
Thanks!
Announcement from International Giant Panda Conference, now underway at Chengdu.
As of November, there are 548 pandas under managed care, China and overseas combined.
For this year, 48 cubs were born, with 45 surviving to-date. Birth breakdown is as follows:
CCRCGP, 30; Chengdu Base, 10; Beijing Zoo, 3; Japan, 1; and Malaysia, 1.
Pictures are worth a thousand words
At ‘panda(dot)fr/’ website, there are photos of Gao Gao’s arrival at Dujiangyan Base, his last few days at San Diego Zoo, plus other 2018 ones. There is accompanying 11/2/2018 article. For non-Francophone, use Google toolbar, for translation into English, or another language.
Fun Fact: If you going to visit Gao Gao, and other pandas, at Dujiangyan, a World Heritage site.
Dujiangyan Irrigation & Channeling System, built around 256 BCE, was supervised by Qin Dynasty official, by order from China’s First Emperor (him of Terracotta Army fame). An ingenious hydraulic engineering project, still in use today, has transformed Sichuan Basin, into fertile agricultural land, including bamboo growth for giant pandas.
Wild pandas live in surrounding forests. In recent years, on separate occasions, two wandered into town center. Amazed locals kept their distance. After a leisurely sojourn, one left the scene. The other had to be tranquilized, and released back into the woods.
Dujiangyan, Gao Gao’s new home.
Dujiangyan Base (Official name: ‘Dujiangyan Giant Panda Rescue, Rehabilitation, Disease Control/Prevention, Treatment & Research Centre’, quite a mouthful)
It is located at Stone Bridge Village/Dujiangyan Prefecture, about 38 miles outside of Chengdu (provincial capital of Sichuan). Nested in Yellow Earth Valley, with Green City Mt. in the distance, the surrounding is serene and scenic. Of historical interest, Dujiangyan’s irrigation dam, still operational, was built during reign of China’s first emperor.
Constructed with funding from Hong Kong government, it opened in 2012. With 40 enclosures, it is a non-breeding facility, with retirement home section, plus quarantine quarters, among others.
This CCRCGP base, is not to be confused with ‘Dujiangyan Panda Valley’ (a separate facility, administered by different institution). For its YouTube video tours, please scroll down to read, AL’s 11/1/2018 post.
To Valerie: Re: Panda Necropsy
Per SDZ veterinary pathologist, panda necropsies can offer valuable information. See 7/4/2015 blog, ‘Successful Giant Panda Workshop (at Dujiangyan)’.
For two of the loaned pandas, who died while abroad, their necropsies shed significant insight, on panda diseases. Further, important lessons were learnt, on what NOT to do, in panda husbandry and medical procedures.
All giant pandas on earth, belong to China.
Exception: Two females residing, south of U.S. border. The duo are non-Chinese, being descendants of original panda pair, sent as diplomatic gifts. They have never reproduced, and are now in their twilight years.
Understandably, adoring fans are reluctant to let go, their iconic creatures. Nonetheless, panda diplomatic gifting, belonged to bygone era. Since then, China is unlikely to allow, its loaned pandas & their offspring, be “permanently stranded” overseas.
Whenever mainland Chinese news media (including official ones), refer to loaned pandas and their offspring; their residency status is described as “Jiao Ju”, roughly translated to “temporarily living elsewhere”. Implication is, these iconic creatures will always return, to their motherland.
Chinese tradition, dated from ancient times, specifies that ‘while leaving home at young age, he/she will eventually come back’. China considers giant panda, its #1 national treasure. Earlier, three loaned pandas expired overseas, even their bodies had to be repatriated.
In current case, news headline there is telling: “Jiao ju” Gao Gao safely arrived back at his ancestral homeland!
Hi, Caroline: Agree with you.
Dujiangyan Base has retirement home section, devoted to geriatric panda care.
Bai Yun’s father, spent his remaining years there, including last 6 months of hospice care, for inoperable cancer of the anus. He was even visited by, SDZ scientist.
Other than short-term dietary adjustment, from California to Sichuan bamboo; getting reacquainted with his ancestral homeland, should pose no major hurdle, for senior bear Gao Gao.
Other panda vocalizations, signal unsuccessful mating encounters, which could be prelude to aggression, and potential injuries.
Panda Mating Calls
Such vocalizations are uttered, at close range. Duration, frequency & frequency, can denote mating success. There is also a “soft” call, emitted by male panda, into ear of receptive female in peak estrus. Evidently, Gao Gao is an expert, in whispering such “love songs”, into Bai Yun’s ears, during mating.
Hi, Ursula: You are correct, on multiple episodes of ‘in-utero fetal resorption’, experienced by Bai Yun. Thanks.
On past repatriations, each returnee was accompanied by one keeper, and one veterinarian. With Su Lin/Zhen Zhen in 2010, and Yun Zi in 2014, panda transfer occurred at Shanghai.
This time, with Gao Gao, he was chaperoned by 3 highly experienced SDZ personnel: senior keeper, senior veterinarian, plus director of collections/husbandry science. They escorted him, all the way to Sichuan. At Dujiangyan, Gao Gao’s medical files are being reviewed in detail; by SDZ staff, in conjunction with CCRCGP counterparts, thus ensuring continuity of care.
Dear Clive,
Actually, Bai Yun has experienced several bouts of , ‘in-utero fetal resorption’. During several of her pregnancies, twins were observed on initial imaging(even triplets in 2003); though ultimately on each occasion, only singleton was born. Per SDZ, it is nature way of ‘prenatal pruning’.
She also had pseudo-pregnancies, in 2001, 2002, and 2011.
In 2015, after failed copulation with Gao Gao, she was artificially inseminated, with thawed-frozen sperms of Shi Shi (from Frozen Zoo). However, no birth ensued.
Hi, Clive, Irene and Rosetta:
Gao Gao sired 5 offspring naturally, while in U.S.
Bai Yun’s father, was natural breeder extraordinaire. Bar none, his Guinness mating record still holds.
Unfortunately, Mei Sheng does not fit, ‘Like father, like son’ motto.
Panda Sense of Smell
Shi Shi was also rescued from the wild. Badly injured in a fight, he had to undergo reconstructive facial surgery. During 1997 & 1998 spring, Bai Yun then in estrus, did her best to seduce him, all to no avail. Subsequent MRI investigation revealed, old healed nasal bone fracture; plus probable damage to his olfactory nerve. That would explain his inability to smell, sex chemicals (pheromones) present in scent marks, left by Bai Yun.
In 1999, sperms extracted from Shi, were used in Bai’s artificial insemination. It resulted in birth of Hua Mei. Nonetheless, research proposal, as submitted to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, was on panda smell, in context of species conservation in the wild. In this regard, Shi could not fulfill such research role. Further, dental evaluation suggested he was much older, than initially thought [His estimated (revised) birth year: late 1970s].
Hence, in consultation with CCRCGP, Gao Gao was selected, as replacement for Shi Shi.
Gao too, was rescued after 1992 fight, in the wild. Then, he sustained superficial injuries to his chest & limbs, plus partial loss of his left external ear. Later, SDZ study showed, he still has excellent hearing ability, well into ultrasonic range, on par with Bai Yun, and their 2 (then sub-adult) daughters.
In terms of smell, Gao Gao was able to pick up, scent marks left by Bai; when they were swapped, into each other’s enclosure, ahead of face-to-face sessions. Moreover, taking cues from her vocalizations plus body language, he astutely determined that; being in peak estrus, Bai Yun would be fully receptive to mating. Seven actual encounters culminated in 5 births, an in-utero fetal resorption, plus one failed copulation. Equally as important, research data were collected, on sense of smell, in panda communication, within context of species conservation.
Since repatriation, an U.S.-born male, now at Chengdu; has sired several cubs, all through mating. No, he is not related to SDZ pandas. Irony: That male’s own father, is utterly inept, in such natural endeavor.
Mei Sheng, eldest son of Gao Gao and Bai Yun
Gao Gao has sired five offspring, all through natural mating. His 2 daughters, now also have kids of their own. For Mei Sheng, much leaves to be desired. After his repatriation, he participated in SDZ’s ‘mating vocalization study’, in 2009, at Bifengxia.
To-date, his mating encounters are as follows:
2009: Given tutorial, by an older female (“Mrs. Robinson”), whom had mated with another male earlier. Subsequently, she gave birth; albeit, paternity testing revealed, Mei Sheng not being the sire.
2010 -2012: “He still has a lot to learn”.
2013: Session was shown on YouTube. Amidst the commotion and vocalization, mating failed, as he could not position himself properly. In the background, humans were watching.
Female voice (SDZ scientist): “Is this Mei Sheng?”
Male voice (CCRCGP staff): “Yes, this is him”. Both spoke with tone of resignation.
2014: ?
2015 -2016: Transferred to Dujiangyan, for evaluation & treatment of gastrointestinal ailment. On another YouTube video, he was busy, performing handstands. atop tree branches. Despite such skill, he appeared to be scent marking, at wrong places; as even in the wild, estrous females would be unlikely to climb so high up, to investigate.
2017- 2018: ?
Unsure whether he has ever undergone sperm extraction.
Per Chinese tradition of pious fedelity, an eldest son is expected to beget a heir, to carry on one’s family name.
This month, at Chengdu, a scientific committee will present its breeding recommendations, for next spring. Will Mei Sheng be given another chance, and be successful in such endeavor? Or, would brother Yun Zi have to step up, to take over the mantle? STAY TUNED!
Nice to see Gao Gao enjoying his bamboo meal, inside freshly cleaned and sanitized bedroom; plus exploring outdoor courtyard, at his new Dujiangyan residence.
Yun Zi (b. 2009, SDZ)
After his repatriation, Yun Zi also stayed at Dujiangyan, from 1/12/2014, to 4/25/2015. While there, he had a “family gathering”. His residence was in close proximity, to those of his relatives;
Maternal grandfather (since deceased),
A nephew (son of Hua Mei, now at eastern China), and
U.S.-born male cousin (who mated successfully in 2017, at Bifengxia).
Presumably, they could see, smell, and vocalize to one another.
Currently, he is at Shijiazhuang/Hebei, where he functions as good-will ambassador, spreading important messages of species conservation, plus habitat preservation. We are proud of you, Yun Zi (“Son of Cloud”)!
Perhaps, while at Sichuan, San Diego Zoo staff might have spare time, to visit SDZ-born pandas,
Mei Sheng (b. 2003), ? still at Dujiangyan.
Su Lin (b. 2005), at Bifengxia.
Hua Mei (b. 1999), and Zhen Zhen (b. 2007), at Gengda
International Giant Panda Conference
This annual event will be held at Chengdu, provincial capital of Sichuan, from November 7 through 11. Variety of topics are to be discussed. A scientific matchmaking body, will also present its breeding recommendations, for 2019 mating season.
Participants are expected from China, Germany, U.S., and other countries.
Several SDZ senior staff, are now at Dujiangyan. Afterwards, presumably, they might travel to Chengdu (40 miles away), to attend this conference. Perhaps, upon return, they can share their experience, not only on Gao Gao trip, but also, what being discussed at Chengdu, about everything panda.
Some of the negative comments, posted here and on last (10/30/18) blog, are most regrettable/unwarranted. They do gross injustice to men & women of Sichuan, plus elsewhere; who have devoted their lives and career, to panda conservation.
Like their Chinese counterparts, panda keepers in Japan, are very much hands-on, as well.
Curious to know what will happen to Gao Gao’s nameplate? I would like to have it! 😄. Actually, you should auction it off! We miss Gao Gao!
Hi, Caroline:
Agree with you. Every overseas returnee has thrived, after repatriation to China. For three pandas, initially from San Diego, have also provided progeny, enriching genetic diversity of managed care population.
Shi Shi, who came over with Bai Yun in 1996, returned to his ancestral homeland, in 2003. This panda senior (d. 2008), suffered from poor eyesight plus degenerative arthritis. Chinese keepers, attuned to his needs, provided tender loving care, during his sunset years. That was witnessed by an American tourist, who visited Shi Shi in 2007.
Care of Gao Gao in China
From late 1996 to 1/2003, post brief sojourn in the wild, Gao resided at CCRCGP Wolong Center.
China has ample experience, handling overseas panda returnees, starting with 2004 repatriation of SDZ-born Hua Mei.
CCRCGP also has keepers, capable of giving English language commands, when SDZ-born Mei Sheng returned in 2007, SDZ-born Su Lin/Zhen Zhen in 2010, plus likewise, for their U.S.-born cousins repatriated in 2010 and 2017. Besides, hand & body signals, are universally utilized in husbandry everywhere.
Dujiangyan Base has a ‘retirement home section’, where they have cared for geriatric pandas, for years; for example, Bai Yun’s own father. Moreover, Chinese keepers are more hands-on, when compared to western counterparts.
SDZ has prepared DVDs, covering Gao’s husbandry, dietary, veterinary/dental, and cardiac ultrasound records. These are given to Dujiangyan personnel, ensuring continuity of care.
Chinese staff, keepers/veterinarians/nutritionists alike, are equally dedicated and capable. Many are well known to SDZ, through decades-long interactions. Gao Gao should be in good hands!
Bye bye, Gao Gao!
We’ve always enjoyed watching you through panda cam.
We’ll miss you!
The write up on Gao Gao was most informative and appreciated. However, I believe what upsets those of us who have come to love these bears is that his transfer was so secretive. We may not be happy about the loss of this handsome papa bear but it seems a bit mean for his fans to find out after he has already departed. Those who loved him deserved a chance to come and say ‘good-bye’ to him. GG’s fans deserved better.
This news is so sad. Sad for Gao Gao, going to a place he doesn’t know, having to endure that long trip, having to have different people care for him. I know he will adapt, and I hope he will be as well taken care of there as he was here. But I am even more sad for me….and for all the people who followed him at SDZ and fell in love with him. He is such a joy to see on the screen when I’m feeling low. His story is so inspiring. I will miss him greatly. I also feel sad for the SDZ staff who must have loved him so much, just seeing all the extra care they gave him, and the affection they have for the pandas. Tho we all know it is his birthplace, It doesn’t lessen the sadness for us right now.
It just bothers me that he was “whisked away in the night”, so to speak. It was so sudden. I have to wonder what the circumstances. And also wonder if the same could happen to Bai Yun and Wu. Does anyone know why it was so sudden?
Blog Monitor’s note: In order to maximize the protection of the animals in our care we do not share information about animal moves in advance of a particular transport.
To Peggy and Thomas,
During 2014-15, there was canine distemper virus (CDV) outbreak, at Shaanxi Center, killing 5 pandas there. Investigation did not reveal, how they contracted the disease. While Sichuan facilities were not affected, nonetheless, new measures have since been implemented; to prevent potential disease transmission, from humans to pandas, and vice versa.
Thus, for anyone going for China panda tour, it is advisable to get advanced information; regarding guidelines on handling pandas, especially during ‘Cuddle a Cub’ photo sessions. That would avoid any misunderstanding, a/o disappointment, upon arrival at Sichuan.
Those cubs tend to be, less than one-year old. Their massive permanent molars have yet to erupt, lessening severity of any incidental bite. However, they do have sharp claws, which might scratch human skin.
Separately, for travelling abroad, please ensure one’s immunization status is up-to-date. Get travel vaccines as indicated.
Hi, Peggy:
I believe China tour fees, do cover admission to panda bases. Albeit, charge for ‘cuddling panda cub’ photo session, is extra; cash only, payable in local currency. Once, a New Zealand visitor stated on YouTube, it amounted to a queen’s ransom. Nevertheless, in retrospect, she sheepishly admitted that intimate encounter, to be worth experience of a lifetime.
Close Encounter of Panda Kind
Each July, San Diego Zoo sponsors China tour, including visits to two panda bases, at Sichuan.
Thus, potentially, one could be reacquainted with Gao Gao, offspring (Hua Mei), Mei Sheng, Su Lin & Zhen Zhen, as well as, Gao/Bai’s grandchildren. Take selfies with them, to post on social media, for eternity.
Or, sit for ‘Hold a Panda Cub’ photo session. Close and personal!
Moreover, opportunities exist, to be panda volunteers. Sweep enclosures, deliver bamboo, plus hand feeding (through protected barriers). See multiple YouTube videos, on volunteering at Bifengxia, and Dujiangyan Bases.
Marco Polo wander lust. Experience of a lifetime. Consider making your tour reservation today!
Gao Gao’s story is unmatched. He is loved and revered by so many.
Although I hated to see him go, for my own selfish reasons, I am happy for him. He returns home a hero who deserves to end his life in his homeland among the people who rescued him and took care of him so he could come to San Diego and give us so much of himself.
San Diego Zoo we are proud to call you our zoo. Thank you for the wonderful you provide all the animals in your care.
Previously, someone circulated online petition, seeking to keep U.S.-based giant pandas, permanently stateside. It fizzled, after Chinese ambassador, and zoo directors, all rejected such proposal.
YouTube videos on Gao Gao, as a sub-adult, from 1990s.
‘Giant Panda Gao Gao Returning Home’ with English narration, Parts I and II, 1/27/2018, posted by My Panda Tour, duration: 1 hour.
‘Gao Gao Returning Home’, with Chinese narration, 3/11/2014, posted by Hanee Thua, duration: 1 hour.
Both are based upon, 1995 documentary, made by Sichuan Television.
It depicts his life, undergoing injury rehabilitation at Fengtongzhai Wildlife Rescue Center, after being rescued in 1992, post fight in the wild. There, he was pampered, as one scene showed his face being wiped clean by staff, after a hearty meal.
Eventually, he was released back to the wild {That was a crude attempt, unlike nascent ‘Panda Reintroduction Project’, currently undertaken by CCRCGP, with collaborative participation from SDZ Global Institute of Conservation Research].
Epilogue: From 4/1995 to late 1996, Gao was again roaming free, in the wild. However, having experienced extensive human contact, he started to raid crops, making him most unwelcome to villagers. So, he was recaptured, and sent to old Wolong Center, where in 2002, SDZ matchmakers came calling.
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A beautiful note, Susan. My thoughts are with all his keepers, Gao Gao and his family. and his thousands friends I can’t help but think many at the Zoo are still searching for him today. I suspect the keepers have shared their tears with all of us who can’t seem to hold them back when thinking of him in that small cage and that long plane ride. Now they come when we see his beloved keeper with him trying to touch his precious face through a screen – with Gao Gao looking up at him with a look that seems to say “where am I and why did you do this to me”? I would ask who’s need are we meeting with this very strange turn of events. I would say it’s China’s. There is nothing good that is coming for Gao Gao and all those who love him. Who knows why China did this….we will never know. This is for more than to die in his homeland. The one thing I do know is this has left many of us around the world are left with an empty hole in our hearts, not to be filled very soon – if ever. Shame on those who thought this was a good plan. The one thing I’m fairly certain of is it wasn’t what was good for Gao Gao. If they truly loved him they would have let him live out his life surrounded by those who love him. He had a wonderful life, a beautiful living area. The real reason they did this is beyond comprehension. I say, “shame on you”. Be well, Gao Gao. You will always be loved by your US family. We are grateful for all the years you were with us – I only wish it was for longer.
Fun Facts: Male pandas who have established legacies, in siring offspring, all through natural mating.
North America: Gao Gao, with 5 children.
Among overseas zoos: A male at Japan, who has sired 20 cubs (16 surviving) to-date, as nature intended. However, like Gao, that male has now reached geriatric age, and probably would be in reproductive senescence henceforth.
Guinness Record: Bai Yun’s late father (d. 2016), who begot 32 offspring (Bai being the eldest), naturally during his lifetime. So successful that, he was retired from breeding at age 18, as his genes have become over-represented, within managed care population. Currently, there are 130 plus living descendants, with lineage directly traceable to him.
Gao Gao arrived at CCRCGP Dujiangyan Base, early a.m., today, local time. He will undergo routine, 30-day quarantine.
Two senior SDZ staff (keeper & veterinarian), accompanied him to Sichuan. Evidently, it was uneventful trip. Transfer of care should be smooth. Occasion would also enable, SDZ staff to confer with Chinese counterparts on site, about ongoing/future collaborative projects.
Frontal view of Gao Gao, reveals his distinguishing feature. His left external year, is smaller versus his right one. It is result of 1992 winter fight, in the wild, with another creature (? panda), having 2/3 of left ear being torn(bitten) off.
However, per SDZ acoustic study, that has not affected his hearing ability (extending into ultrasonic range).
Hi, Samuel:
Both iPanda and Explore, have changed their panda cam format. They are more limited,, and not viewable in real time. Presumably, being operated by volunteers, such undertakings are simply, too time-consuming!
Dear Ithaca,
You are correct, CCRCGP Dujiangyan Base is now opened to general public. Here are three YouTube videos, on this facility:
1) ‘Video Tour of CCRCGP Dujiangyan Panda Base’, 10/18/2015, posted by PDXWildlife.
Featured guide is actually, a scientist from SDZ Global Institute of Conservation Research.
2) ‘Dujiangyan Panda Retirement Home’, 7/28/2015, posted by China Plus.
Featured Chinese keeper, who speaks English, is experienced in working with U.S-born returnees (You may recognize one of her charges, a cousin of Xiao Liwu). She has also been invited, on several occasions, to assist in panda cub rearing, at American zoos.
3) ‘Dujiangyan Panda Base Tour’, 2/23/2017, posted by Jusywho.
As shown, this base is set in scenic surroundings. Each enclosure is fitted with spacious courtyard, plus bedroom.
Hence, Gao Gao should be in good hands, spending his sunset years there.
As a Gao Gao lover, admirerer, and what he has taught his Keepers, Viewers and Visitors WorldWide he is a true Ambassador to the Kingdom of Giant Pandas. His return to spend his time back in the very homeland and soil in which he was born is a true act of love, compassion and eternal gratefulness to China. Who loaned him to the San Diego Zoo he participated in monumental gifts of being an extraordinary Panda, by no means never the norm for this guy. We would watch him mate on cams and if I ever saw a male panda smile. Well he DID!!!! He is a Grandpa, and Father. His offspring carry out his legacy since he is a wild born panda.
Thank you to the San Diego Zoo Panda Keepers, Staff, and Vets for everything. I don’t air my bitter sweet tears often – but when I do believe me they are heart felt. Gao Gao became a rapid favorite Panda due to his rough start life in the beginning. His Keepers there will surely pamper and receive him with love, affection and appreciation for the Ambassador he has become.
Thank you San Diego Zoo for the cams bringing us a window with a view on the Panda Cams.
Kathy I say to you…..there is a forever Pand Quilt with you from Cherie Goodwin and I am so happy that have that to reflect on and smile.
I commend you! Applaud You! Also love you for being Gao’s Keeper and a VERY BEST one at that. Gao was lucky to have you by his side too.
All My Love to you all!