Tai's China cam receives funding to move ahead

We have heard the news from Pandas International that the live web cam for Tai Shan was in progress and now we know one of the big reasons why. 

Thanks Mara, you helped us to get the Zoo Atlanta cams up and running again and now you are helping once again with Tai.  A big panda hug goes out to you and the many others who will be working to see this becomes a reality. 

Great photo of Tai above in the graphic I put together isn't it?  It belongs to panda pal daniel.techie of flickr.  Be sure to check out more of his photos at the link.

Here is the latest email from PI that explains what has been going on with Tai's cam:

Understanding how important Tai Shan is to so many people, getting a Tai Cam at the Bifengxia Panda Base has been a high priority. I am happy to announce that thanks to a very generous donation from Ms. Mara Strock, of Virginia, the Tai Cam is coming! There had been some delay in the plans for the Tai Cam, as the Bifengxia Panda Base's internet service was not powerful enough to host a web cam. Thanks to Ms. Strock's donation, the equipment has already been ordered and a new cable will be laid through the Bifeng Gorge from Ya'an City. The staff at the Center is preparing the enclosure for the installation. Because of Tai Shan's popularity he has become a great ambassador for the species. With this Tai Cam he will continue to inspire millions to join the effort to preserve the magnificent panda. Schools, daycares and community centers will be able to enjoy Tai Shan's antics and use them as a fun way to educate the next generation about the conservation efforts of Pandas International, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and the dedicated staff at Bifengxia Panda Base. Tai Shan will act as an educational doorway where knowledge of the panda, its habitat and China can be explored. Great enthusiasm for the pandas is often contagious and sharing a passion for saving the species generally leads to shared interests with peers. As many of you already know Tai Shan has brought people together through blogging, photo sharing, and social gatherings; with his presence through the Tai Cam, he will only continue to highlight the qualities that make the giant panda one of the planet's most adored inhabitants.

Please join me in thanking Ms. Strock for her generous donation, Sherry Lummis and her staff for doing all the ground work in China , and the staff at Bifengxia for working together to make the Tai Cam a reality.

Now comes the hard part...finding the patience to wait for the go live day!

Sincerely,

Suzanne