After more than a week in China on a panda visit, Simon and I finally got to see some Giant Pandas when we visited the Bifengxia panda base. This is where the other staff from Adelaide Zoo have come when they've visited China and where Funi and Wang Wang lived just before coming to Adelaide. 

The facility is quite large, 71.6 ha and has several different facilities; breeding, nursery, overseas born panda area, general panda housing, research facilities and administration scattered over the grounds. About 150 staff work at the base and their dedication and passion was very evident during our visit. 

Staff took us around the facilities and showed us the work they are doing, the successes they have had as well as some of the challenges they are facing. We talked through some of the ways we could help and one of the ways is that Adelaide Zoo will be providing funding to help redevelop some of the enclosures at the panda base adding new climbing frames for exercise and pond for keeping cool in summer, plus bamboo planted for browse once it has grown. This will provide a better environment for the pandas to grow up in and develop their skills.

Wendy
Manager of Conservation Programs, Zoos SA

Photo 1: Approx. 3 month old cub in humidicrib
Photo 2: Approx. 15 month old cub
Photo 3: Refurbished facilities at Bifengxia