The weather is absolutely perfect here at Bifengxia. It’s about 75 degrees, the humidity is low, and the sky is clear from the previous nights rain. The cicadas haven’t shown up just yet, so the ambient sounds outside are filled with panda bleats and overly excited tourists. But, what makes this day special is that it’s my last until I return in December.
As Meghan and I take turns training each new set of interns, she is scheduled to return in August. Just enough time to say goodbye to the current superstar group and immediately welcome the newbies. The fall lineup is an extension of the summer in terms of projects- Stereotypic, Personality & Maternal Care.
But, as I digress while explaining future studies, I am saddened by the fact that I will not get to see Hailey, Doireann, Nicole or Bryan again. I attribute this to the amount of time that we have spent together, as they have grown on me like siblings running amuck on a summer break. What I really want to say is “thank you” to each of them. I didn’t imagine that I could have so much fun training bright minded individuals on behavioral observations and being your initial guide to this beautiful culture.
Take care of one another. I’ll miss ya-
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- Lan Zi in his lush pen- Photo courtesy of Hailey Wallace
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- From left to right- Doireann, Hailey, Nathan, Bryan & Nicole. All sporting PDXWildlife t-shirts.
