After a three hour bus ride and a forty five minute taxi drive (which included driving to the wrong panda base) Nate and I officially made it to Dujiangyan with a box full of panda feces. Arriving at the base, I was introduced to what Nate calls “Panda Politics” in which we meet with a slew of people prior to beginning our research.
There is large difference in the way the business is handled in China, comparative to the United States. It is an eye opening experience to see the way that a different culture handles certain situations. Politics and business seem to go hand in hand in China, whether it’s working your way from the highest authority down when there is an issue, or getting permission to begin a project.
We explored the base, and visited the enclosures of the pandas, where we found them either sleeping or eating. At the base, the birth place of the bears varies, Fu Bao is from Vienna, Austria and Mei Sheng is from the San Diego Zoo. We were also able to see two Red Pandas, which was a treat! After visiting the base, Nate and I explored the city of Dujiangyan and its many shopping entities, we even found watermelon/pineapple slushies, and ice cream. I’m not sure which melted first, our ice cream, or ourselves (it was 90F) but it was a fun adventure nonetheless.
I’m constantly amazed by the beauty of China, whether it’s the architecture, the pandas, or the people themselves. I wake up every morning excited to be here and am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity that PDXWildlife has provided.
Thanks, Hailey.
