Dear friends,
As we approach your departure for China, we want to update you on the current situation of the pandas in Wolong. The earthquake in Wenchuan this May has damaged most of panda facilities at Wolong. Because of the instability of the hillsides, Chinese authorities have no choice but to abandon the Wolong Panda Research Institute.
So today a total of 25 grown pandas have been transferred from Wolong to the Bifengxia Panda Center located about two hours to the southwest of Chengdu. Wolong panda cubs are temporarily staying at nearby schools.
All the Wolong research and administrative staff have also been relocated to Bifengxia. Bifengxia is under renovation and expansion, with numerous facilities being added for new panda and Chinese residents. Reportedly, panda cubs will soon be transferred to Bifengxia and all panda programs reinaugurated. San Diego Zoo’s own panda, Hua Mei, and some of her cubs will be moved to Bifengxia as well.
With these changes, we have rescheduled your panda visit from Wolong to Bifengxia. Your experience with the pandas will be as wonderful as you originally imagined. There are many more pandas at Bifengxia for you to interact with and the region’s beautiful natural environment will delight to no end.
Bifengxia was opened in 2003 as the world's largest program for artificial insemination of the Giant Panda. It is arguably the best place to see Giant Pandas in their natural habitat. Extending for 25 square miles, Bifengxia has long been famous for its breathtaking canyons, forests, rivers and waterfalls. It is today the largest wildlife park in China. There are over 300 species of animals living freely in the preserve. And Bifengxia is the only conservation base in the world to release Giant Pandas back into the wild.
Not least, a new four-star hotel was opened at Bifengxia last year, so our accommodations will be an unexpected upgrade over those originally booked for Wolong. We are confident you will find your visit with pandas at Bifengxia most memorable. When you meet these pandas, you will laugh so hard tears will flow. Nothing can touch our hearts like these adorable beings!
We hope you can share with friends and relatives the opportunity to visit the Giant Pandas. The removal of so many pandas from Wolong to Bifengxia has taxed Chinese resources. Now is the time to support the panda in its new home and your trip will certainly be a big morale boost for everyone involved in panda care.
Sincerely yours,
Charlotte Xu
Executive Director
China Advocates
2098 Pine Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
888-333-2585