We are entering our 7th week at Bifengxia, and each of us has found a kindred spirit in a particular panda. When you first arrive, distinguishing one bear from another can be challenging, but after many weeks of face time you become an expert at picking out small details that make each individual unique. There’s a wide variation in color and patterns, facial structure, body size and the personality behind their gaze. Going to visit your favorite bear, feels like spending time with a friend. We take as much advantage of this as we possibly can. After all, hanging out with pandas is the reason we are in China in the first place! I have found it very interesting to learn which pandas prefer certain foods; have a favorite child; or prefer going outside to inside (and vice versa). The more time you spend with them, the more accurately you can identify the small things that make them tick.
So, to celebrate our furry friends for their individuality, we’re going to have a little contest to see who can identify the most pandas from a close-up beauty shot of them. I know that the faithful PDXWildlife readers will have the most practice with this. Below you will find pictures of 6 different bears. You can answer by replying with a comment. Please include the photo number, along with the bears name. Good Luck!
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- Panda 1
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- Panda 2
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- Panda 3
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- Panda 4
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- Panda 5
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- Panda 6
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Katelin Van Raden is our wonderful Fall Bifengxia giant panda intern specializing in maternal care observations. I have to admit that I took the panda ID test and failed right away. Thanks for all the great photos! Be sure to post your answers in the comments below.
Panda 4 sure looks like Tai Shan to me, but he’s not at Bifengxia. Whether I know the pandas or not, these are beautiful photos of these darling bears.
As I said on Facebook, I have no idea who any of these pandas are, but I love them all!
I normally use more than just the face to identify giant pandas, but I will give it a try.
Panda 1: Da Bai Tu #766
Panda 2: Xiang Ge #674
Panda 3: Yang Hua #791
Panda 4: Wang Jia #702
Panda 5: Xiang Lin #748
Panda 6: Wen Yu #691
I do see some differences! Love your explanation about the differences. Wish I was there! They are such amazing animals, love seeing the babies play. You are one very fortunate young woman!!
Thanks to Katelin for setting up this quiz. The answers are as follows- 1) Bai Yang, 2) Wang Jia, 3) Wen Yu, 4) Xiang Ge, 5) Xiang Lin, 6) Yang Yang.
I should have recognized #4 Xiang Ge, since I volunteered with him–but in my defense, he was always behind bars and my glasses were always fogged from the rain that day! He was a sweetie.