In Pictures: Tai Shan’s Big Day
After a month in quarantine since being returned from the United States to Bifengxia Panda Base in China, American-born giant panda Tai Shan came out of quarantine today and was moved to his new home on Leopard Mountain at the Base in a special “Tai Shan Moving House” event that attracted the local media in full force.
I was there, but not specifically to attend the event. I’m here for my annual volunteer trip which happens to coincide with Tai Shan’s big day. Here are some pictures from this special day.
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The weather forecast had said rain from 6 March (the day I arrived), but it only rained on the 3rd day. This morning, rain in Ya’an became snow when we got to Bifengxia Panda Base. Only for Tai Shan!
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Welcome banner and red carpet at the start of the path going up to Tai Shan’s new home
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Volunteers called up on stage to receive certificates of appreciation
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There were blank cards attached to the railings at his yard for volunteers to write messages to him. This was mine.
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Caught in the act!
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The volunteers each received a goody bag with a panda soft toy inside. Mine is US bound for a special foo-foo pet … I mean, baby.
And now some pictures of today’s star attraction, Tai Shan.
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His keeper and team really got into the spirit of the occasion and decked out a buggy for Tai’s personal transport up to his new home
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Within minutes of arrival, he was allowed outdoors. He came out, looked around and headed straight for the slope on the other side so that he disappeared for a while. But he was soon back up and facing the pandarazzi on the other side of the railings.
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After the excitement of the morning, he settled down quickly to his usual routine of eating bamboo! We went back after lunch and were rewarded with his left profile …
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… and his right profile
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Tai in his yard – an overall view to give an idea of the size of the yard.
