Like the National Zoo, Beijing Zoo has an off-exhibit breeding and husbandry center with room to house a few hundred animals. We took a day trip to this site to study two of the pandas that were there.

At the zoo, there is an old panda building and a newer one. (We are told that the zoo would like to build a completely new panda facility in time for the 2008 Olympics.). Two adults, a female Le Le, and a male Ying Ying, live in the old building. They have both indoor and outdoor areas, although the indoor areas are not climate controlled. In the new building are three large outdoor areas and three climate-controlled indoor, day rooms.

Hong conducted interviews with panda keepers
at all four of the locations we visited. (below)

We noticed that the pandas here are pretty much fed all the bamboo they can eat. Panda keepers here also have beds and a kitchen in the building. While we were there, at least two panda keepers were in attendance 24 hours a day because females are suspected to be pregnant. That's dedication!

All told, we were able to study seven adult pandas at the Beijing Zoo. Our tests with these pandas went well and we were able to finish up the surveys. I talked to the staff about our research and panda facility, and about methods for doing animal behavior research. The staff are interested in beginning a behavior program here, and in developing environmental enrichment for the animals. It was exciting time to be at the Beijing Zoo.

After traveling around China for nearly two months, I was exhausted and tired of living in hotels. But I was sad to leave China. I hope to return soon to cement the budding good relationships and collaborate with colleagues in Wolong, Chengdu, Hong Kong, and Beijing.

Panda enclosure in Beijing Zoo with playground furniture and anti-tree climbing devices. (right) Chinese temple on a hillside. (below)

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