Giant Panda Future in America

Spike said:
Does Memphis have a future with this species? When I went last (Ya Ya and Le Le were there) I was told by a worker that while Ya Ya and Le Le weren’t going to stay the zoos would be getting new ones. Memphis facilities are below par for the species and they don’t seem to really have much room to expand the exhibit. I can’t see them having a future but what do you guys think?
Click to expand...
It seems very unlikely, the campaign around that zoo, the pandas there, the medical issues (not the zoo's fault) and the issues of perception of Memphis Zoo in China probably mean they will not get back into giant pandas, and IMO probably mean they don't want to get back into them.
 
Are any northeastern zoos in the U.S. likely to get pandas if China has better relations with the US in terms of panda diplomacy?
 
MOG2012 said:
Are any northeastern zoos in the U.S. likely to get pandas if China has better relations with the US in terms of panda diplomacy?
Click to expand...
Besides the Smithsonian National Zoo, I'm not sure anyone in that region has exhibited an interest.

USZOOfan42 said:
Doubt it, if anything possibly bronx. Again, Bronx isn't NE but it's either atlanta or a midwest zoo.
Click to expand...
I agree Atlanta going again would make sense and a midwestern zoo if a new holder is needed. I think the director of the Bronx Zoo has shot down the idea.
 
Official media release from the zoo regarding their arrival, first posted by @Zoofan15 in the zoos news thread. The release includes B-roll of the renovations done to the habitats for anyone interested in that.

Giant Pandas Arrive at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute From China

Starting today, access to the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat, Bird House and Asia Trail will be closed and will remain closed to the public until Bao Li and Qing Bao make their public debut Jan. 24, 2025. Given the immense public interest and excitement surrounding the announcement that the new bear pair would arrive before the end of 2024, the Zoo is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors daily. NZCBI is working to ramp up operations during what is, traditionally, an off-peak visitation period.

During this period, limited groups including Zoo staff, volunteers, members and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to visit the pandas and help them get used to the sights, sounds and smells of crowds ahead of their public debut. Smithsonian National Zoo members will be invited to help the bears acclimate during a 10-day preview period from Jan. 10 to 19, 2025. Reservations are required to participate. Members can reserve free timed-entry passes for the giant panda preview beginning mid-December. From Jan. 29 to Feb. 9, the Zoo will host a public celebration with a series of special events and programs, including a Lunar New Year event. No reservations are required for the public celebration.

While Bao Li and Qing Bao are off-exhibit and acclimating to their new habitat, fans can stay connected to the bear pair by following #DCPandas and tuning in to “Prepping for Pandas.” Launching tomorrow, Oct. 16, on the Zoo’s social media channels and website, this original, short-form digital series brings viewers behind the scenes for a look at how the panda team—individuals ranging from animal care experts to architects, conservation researchers and transportation provider FedEx—worked together to get the pandas’ Washington residence ready to receive them. Each episode of this nine-part bi-weekly series highlights special moments and milestones of the new pandas’ journey to their public debut.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Spike said:
Zoo Atlanta has began renovations on their current panda exhibit! What are the chances that these black and white bears return to the zoo? The zoo has been the most successful breeding of the animal in North America having 7 born since 2006.
Click to expand...
I suspect the renovations are an indicator they want pandas back, which they seemed to imply in recent social media postings, and if San Diego and Smithsonian were able to reacquire theirs then Atlanta likely can as well. Setting aside questions about the program itself at large, this does ensure three of the four major regions have panda representation and Atlanta, like Smithsonian, built their zoo somewhat around their pandas, unlike San Diego, so overall it seems like a good plan to keep them.

It seems Memphis is the only one exiting the panda business by the end of this and after the social media campaign, I would, too.
 
Spike said:
Zoo Atlanta has began renovations on their current panda exhibit! What are the chances that these black and white bears return to the zoo? The zoo has been the most successful breeding of the animal in North America having 7 born since 2006.
Click to expand...
I know they've begun preliminary design efforts for bringing pandas back, but have they actually started construction? Genuinely curious.
 
Spike said:
Zoo Atlanta has began renovations on their current panda exhibit! What are the chances that these black and white bears return to the zoo? The zoo has been the most successful breeding of the animal in North America having 7 born since 2006.
Click to expand...

I saw an article not too long ago that Zoo Atlanta is already in preliminary talks to have pandas return, so yes it is likely at this point.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top