2011 marked the beginning of our Panda Mercury Project. Now that we are in our 6th year, we are coming to the conclusion with the analysis taking place early next month. Similar to our fecal hormone analysis, there is a lot of effort that goes into the collection, with very little needed for the analysis. Here is a breakdown of the effort that has gone into the mercury sample collection-

1. 2011-MOU developed and agreed on by all parties
2. 2012-Bifengxia sample collection for pilot study. Analysis.
3. 2013-Results indicate further analysis needed. Collect more samples.
4. 2014-Analysis and write-up.
5. 2015-Additional MOU for extended study
6. 2016-Travel to Nanchong to collaborate with wild panda team
7. 2017-Freeze dry all samples, deliver to Guiyang for analysis

In 2015, the mercury project was coming to a close when we received additional interest that prompted an extension into the overall mercury body burden in pandas, which meant that we needed blood and fecal samples. This required an additional MOU and IACUC approval, two time consuming but necessary processes that allow us to operate and publish our research.

Now that we are in the final stages of packaging the freeze dried and properly stored samples for delivery to Guiyang, a logistical dilemma has come into play. Guiyang is 500 miles away from Bifengxia, and a flight would be the obvious choice for arriving with no delay. However, a problem exists when you try and go through airport security with biological samples- especially hair and blood from the countries most iconic animal. The mercury lab recommended that I not fly and try to secure another means for traveling.

Enter Mr. Cheng, my loyal and unwavering, noodle shop friend. Cheng is slowly retiring as he has now married off his daughter and is pushing his mid 60’s. It is becoming harder and harder to find him at his shop as he is predominantly at home. After inviting me out to dinner the other evening, I mentioned that I need to hire a driver or take a bus to Guiyang. His eyes immediately lit up, and as far as I could understand, said that he could take me. After a bottle of baijiu, we agreed on a price and solidified our plans. On June 11th, Mr. Cheng, his best friend Mr. Wong, and myself will embark on a 3 day, cross province journey to deliver a surprisingly small package of blood, feces, hair, and bamboo samples that represent several years of work. In other words, we get to have a bro trip in the name of science.