It seems like it’s been longer than just three full days with the interns because we’ve gotten so much done! The learning and settling in process always seems like such a whirlwind! Here’s a quick look at what the first few days of a PDXWildlife giant panda internship looks like.
First stop was registering to live in Ya’an at the police station. Thanks to a girl cop who spoke pretty good English we got in and out in record time (only 1 hour and 30 minutes! unheard of!).
Then touring around Ya’an – it was a beautiful day and we could actually see mountains and the old bridge.
The obligatory first dinner of Mr. Cheng’s noodles as an initiation to Ya’an and their PDXWildlife internship.
Circling back to the apartment we crossed the old bridge and had to get a picture.
The next day we finally got to see the actual pandas and start our training! Here are Ari, Alyssa, Nicki, and Jenn (from left to right) at the gate wishing you all a Happy Chinese New Year!
Learning how to score panda behaviors on our fancy new iPads with the behavioral scoring app.
Nicki, Ari, Jenn, Alyssa looking very focused on scoring behavior (left to right)
Nicki in front of Yi Bao (right) and Su Shan (left).
Panda ears in front of Su Shan!
Ari with Yi Bao and Su Shan
Jenn giving the typical Chinese photo pose next to the pandas.
Alyssa – literally seconds later we had her jump away because Su Shan was sneaking up to investigate!
Nicki and Ari taking photos of the pandas
Of course, lots of panda viewing as well. Nicki is putting together a fun video for you all which we will post soon! We’re super busy getting everyone up to speed but the good news is all of the interns are really into social media so now that everyone is getting situated we’re starting to become active on the blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so check (or subscribe) to our various social media sites.
-Meg
P.S. Their panda profile pictures were taken with our “portrait” lens so I’m going to have learn how to use this lens to get the pandas in focus too – not sure what I’m doing with the “portrait” lens to make them blurry – photography is not my strong suite clearly 🙂
Looking forward to seeing more photos and videos of our beloved pandas!
Thanks for sharing your pictures! We are so excited for each of you and look forward to all you share with us.
Oh to be an intern!!! Have fun!!!
VERY cool!!!
Keep the posts and pictures coming!