My apologies to the PDXWildlife readers for my lack of contributions to the site. I’ve been a bit busy collecting vital data on our beloved bears, as well as visiting the many cultural and historical landmarks that help define this beautiful country. I have – and with a month left, will continue to – cherish my time in China, but I digress.

Qian Qian 2 – being raised by Ying Hua – effortlessly looking adorable for a photo op.

These past few months at Bifengxia, I’ve been able to play the dedicated data technician with a big smile on face. Being the maternal care intern at a panda base has more than its fair share of perks. Day after day, the juxtaposition of monotonous note-taking with adorable black-and-white balls of fluff – and teeth – makes for a comfortable learning experience.

Zhuang Mei does well to make sure Jin Bao Bao grows into a mature, healthy individ

Each panda mother exhibits a wide range of habits and personality traits in relation to the caring of their children. I assume the captivity situation effects their behaviors to a degree, but from what I’ve seen, everyone at the base sure knows how to keep pandas going. In the time since I arrived at Bifengxia, the number of panda mothers grew from just 3 to a respectable 10. Quite a large haul this year, and with each bear being the endearing and attentive mothers they are, it makes for lots of opportunities to see some interesting behaviors.

Panda cubs are the lucky recipients of some great parenting, but who could be more deserving? I hope you enjoyed the pictures and my catchy title- Panda Momma Drama.

Sincerely, Daniel-

Jing Xin holds her twins close, even in sleep.

The art of relaxation must be in Min Min’s genes.

Zhen Zhen with a still-young cub early in September. Shying away from observers, she knows how to protect her twins.

Ying Hua, an accomplished mother, is no stranger to the concept of parenting.

This post and photos are from our superstar intern Daniel Horton. We see some fantastically talented individuals who come to intern with PDXWildlife, but Daniel has proven time and time again that he is a step above the rest. We are very grateful for all of the hard work that he has been “suggestively forced” into doing while he is in China. Without his tireless attention to minute details, we wouldn’t have had a successful fall data collection. Thanks Daniel.