This last week in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China the 18th Annual Conference of the Chinese Committee of Breeding Techniques for the Giant Panda took place. Right away my mind goes back to the photos that were flashed all over the globe of the room full of pandas cubs squeaking and looking as adorable as ever.
There are two major areas that scientist and others from around the globe are working on to help keep Giant Pandas from going extinct. One is of course, to maintain their wild habitat and the other to utilize artificial methods of breeding to increase their current numbers with hopes of being able to release them back out into the wild. Within these areas, are other concerns such as disease, food sources and genetic diversity among others. So, along with keeping you up-to-date with photos and stories of the pandas living in the U.S. zoos, I will be working to keep up with the other side of Giant Pandas as well.
This coming week is Thanksgiving in the U.S. A time for giving thanks for whatever blessings each of us has, may they be big or small. I am taking off to go camping with my dog Amber, for a few days. Nothing too wild mind you, a state park just north of Orlando. But it sits on 600 acres of preserved habitat, with the Wekiwa River running through it and deer, black bear, bobcats, huge barking horned owls along with many other wonderful birds. It's my way of clearing my head, finding peace and remembering my responsibility to nature.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
