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Some original material reprinted by Pandas International's Newsletter is used without editing for accepted English usage.

Pandas in China

Tao Tao Released into the Wild

See source >>

Tao Tao wearing the GPS collar supplied
by Pandas International

On October 11 at Shimian a major step in diversifying the gene pool among wild giant pandas took place. Tao Tao, a captive born panda who turned two on August 3, 2012, was released into the wild.

This carefully planned reintroduction program began with the selection of Cao Cao to be the first female in the program. She was placed in three separate natural enclosures and gave birth to Tao Tao without human intervention same as a wild female panda would. Contact with humans was limited and fear of humans encouraged. When entering the enclosure with Tao Tao the keepers all wore panda costumes covered in Panda feces in order to mask the human smell so he would not become sensitized to human features.

Tao Tao has been wandering farther away from Cao Cao and two is generally the age when cubs finally leave their mother.

Huang Yan, Vice Director of Research for The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), who is in charge of the reintroduction program, stated, "This is a significant event for both captive and wild pandas. By following Tao Tao and his life in the wild, other captive pandas may one day also be released into the wild thus helping this beloved and endangered species grow." Tao Tao's genes will help the wild pandas in this region of China.

Tao Tao's movements will be monitored with a special GPS collar for safety, and for gathering important research data about the lives of the solitary animal. Pandas International a non-profit based in Littleton, CO supplied the special GPS collar.

Suzanne Braden, director of Pandas International, (www.pandasinternational.org), said, "This is a very important day because we've taken a huge step in beginning a program that hopefully will increase the numbers of wild pandas from the current estimate of only 1,600." Braden also commented that endangered means we have time but extinction is forever and that's why this day is so critical.

8th Annual Hug My Cub Event

8th Annual Hug My Cub Tour

Source: Suzanne Braden

Hug My Cub is an annual gathering for individuals who have adopted pandas through the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) at both the Wolong and Bifengxia Panda Centers. For about a week, individuals assist panda caretakers with the daily routine of cleaning enclosures, transporting bamboo, preparing the food and feeding the pandas their special panda bread. This year, volunteers also planted bamboo on the grounds of the Bifengxia Panda Center.

Shea visiting her adopted Panda Tong Tong

In addition to volunteering at the Panda Center, the group was also able to tour the recently opened Center for Disease Control outside of Dujianyan. This center was established to care for aging or disabled pandas and serve as a quarantine facility if needed. At the center, the group was able to meet Pan Pan, an aging Panda who is the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of many captive born Pandas.

Suzanne Braden, Director of Pandas International, spent much of September in China visiting pandas at various locations. She jointed both the Access China tour group and the Hug my Cub group as they volunteered at Bifengxia. She will report on all her travels in an upcoming newsletter.

See the gallery of Hug My Cub images on our Facebook page in the Hug My Baby Gallery >>

Pandas Around the World

Fu Hu preparing for travel to China

Fu Hu is being Prepared for his Trip "Home"

Zookeepers at Austria’s Schönbrunn zoo are starting early to prepare Fu Hu for the long trip back to his Chinese homeland – expected to happen early next month. To prepare him for the trip, zookeepers are rewarding him with carrots and sweet potatoes every time he gets into the travel cage that will be used to transport him. Along with the sweet treats, some of the bamboo that the panda regularly eats is also being put in the crate to get him used to the enclosure. At some stage the crate will be closed and he will be lifted into the air to get used to the movement.

Read the full article >>

Tian Tian at Edinburgh Zoo

Giant Pandas at the Edinburgh Zoo are Honored

Edinburgh Zoo's resident Giant Pandas were honored recently for their services to Scottish tourism. Tian Tian, meaning "sweetie," and Yang Guang, meaning "sunshine," have been a top attraction at the zoo, with more than 500,000 visitors passing through their enclosure since they arrived from China in December 2011. The Chairman of Visit Scotland, Mike Cantlay said, "Since Tian Tian and Yang Guang’s arrival last year, they have put one of Scotland’s best-known visitor attractions on the world map and shown excellence in tourism, which is what the Scottish Thistle Awards are all about — so it's only right that we came here to honor their achievements."

In recognition of the honor, Tian Tian was presented with a special one-off Scottish Thistle Award — crafted entirely from bamboo.

Read the full article >>

Panda Protectors

Amber and Kerry Compete for a Cause

Earlier this year, Amber and Kerry competed in the Hale Kids Triathlon to raise money for Pandas International. Both girls completed the triathlon proudly wearing their Pandas International t-shirts! The girls raised over $200 for the Pandas. Thank you, ladies. What an accomplishment!

Panda Partners

Susan Becker's Animal Portraits

Duet by Susan Becker

Susan Becker creates intimate, intense animal portraiture that interprets a unique sense of dignity and personality - be it joy, hope, desire, or even sorrow, so that each furry individual can be celebrated and cherished, both in the moment, and for life. Her hope is that her art brings joy to animal lovers, raises funds for animal advocacy, and inspires others to learn about and protect our precious friends. Susan has graciously offered to donate 10% from portrait commissions and 20% from the sale of matted prints and note cards featuring her Panda images to Pandas International. Thank you, Susan!

Visit Susan online at BeckerPaints.com >>

Panda Photos and Videos

Bai Yun's Cub Takes his First Steps

Bai Yun's cub takes his first steps

Bai Yun's 11-week-old cub, nicknamed "Sausage" by zookeepers, has taken his first steps as captured during his ninth exam. The 21.6-inch, 7.2-lb. Giant Panda cub has grown increasingly active, according to the San Diego Zoo's blog. Although those first bursts of movement look more like a crawl, the little ball of fur can already climb out of his den all by himself, and he's beginning to stand up on all four paws. You can also catch another glimpse of the playful cub via the zoo's panda cam.

Watch the video >>

Suzanne presenting Tai Shan's birthday banner

Suzanne Presents Tai Shan's Birthday Banner to his Keepers

While in China earlier this month, Suzanne had the honor of presenting Tai Shan's birthday banner to his keepers. The banner included birthday wishes from around the world.

Other News

Colorado Gives Day

Giving First is proud to present the 3rd annual Colorado Gives Day on Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Colorado Gives Day is a 24 hour period in which people in COLORADO and around the WORLD can donate to Colorado charities. All credit card processing fees are covered by First Bank which means 100% of your donations will go to Pandas International. First Bank also has several incentive funds which make your donation go even farther. Please consider a year end donation on Colorado day to help the Giant Pandas.

To learn more please visit Giving First >>

Coming Soon ...

Pandas International's Holiday Online Auction will be starting on Saturday, November 10 and will run through Sunday, November 18.

Check out some of the fabulous items we will be auctioning off
to help our beloved bears >>

We Need your Stories!

You probably already know that Pandas International has partnered with Explore.org to bring you the live Panda Cams. What you may not know is that we are also working with Explore to write articles for the Bear Blog. One of the great features of the Bear Blog is the "Community Voices" feature where articles from both Panda experts and Panda fans are highlighted. If you would like to submit a "community voice" article for consideration, please forward it (along with photos if possible) to our Social Media Coordinator, Tanja at tmelone@pandasinternational.org.

Guo Guo Featured in a New Kindle Book

Claire McClennan has authored a fantastic book entitled Another Chance — Animal Rescues — Book Two highlighting animal rescues around the world. Guo Guo, one of the Pandas rescued during the 2008 earthquake, and the first rescued Panda to give birth after the disaster, is featured in the book (Chapter 2).

Reminder: Holiday Cards, Gifts and Gear

Just a reminder that we have beautiful holiday cards and lots of Panda gifts and gear perfect for those holiday gifts! Visit our online store and cross some people off your list.

Do You Pin?

We do! Be sure and take a peek at our Pinterest page for great photos, videos, and other fun Panda Pins.

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