We’ve made it to Ya’an, spent a half day settling into the apartment, (sadly missed the airport arrival of Bao Bao even though we were on the lookout), and head to BFX today! Yay!  While you’re all waiting anxiously for panda photo updates here’s another introduction to one of our breeding season interns:

“Hello I’m Hope Maxwell.  I’m from Cheshire, United Kingdom.  I’ve been passionate about animals from a young age.  My passion for animals and conservation led me to study an Environmental Science BSC from Oxford Brookes University and then an MSC in Zoo Conservation Biology at Plymouth University, taught in collaboration with the amazing staff at Paignton Zoo, UK.  This involved hands on experiences with the animals and conducting research on many species at the Zoo.

An Aldabra Tortoise which I was being taught how to train

Plymouth University graduation

For my masters I carried out a research project at Dao Tien, Endangered Asian Species Trust (EAST), Vietnam, for 2 months.  The project was assessing changes in behaviour with the golden-cheeked gibbon using different feeding methods to reduce human contact.  Dao Tien is an island in the middle of the national park surrounded by forest, the only people living on the island were the manager, myself and the three other researchers, plus the animals.

Dao Tien

I have also carried out research in Ranthambore National Park in India, assessing whether there was enough prey in the park to sustain the number of tigers.

A few of the researchers in India, trying not to fall out of the jeep, joining the sambar deer.

I have volunteered at Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary.  Their aim is to try and stop the primate pet trade.  Whilst there I cleaned enclosures and carried out maintenance jobs, collected wild leaves and prepared the monkeys food. We also carried out fundraising events, were we walked the streets dressed as monkeys raising awareness of the sanctuary in the local tourist area.

The monkeys ready to fundraise

I have always wanted to work with pandas.  Last year I saw the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, which are on loan from Bifengxia, I cannot wait to see the place they came from. I am beyond excited to start the internship with PDXWildlife.  I look forward to keeping you all updated with all the panda gossip.

Hope”

Let Hope know if you want pictures of any specific pandas or special updates by commenting below.  We’ll try to fill requests as opportunities arise during downtimes in our research!