Lindsay Posted January 23, 2007 at 12:57 AM Report Posted January 23, 2007 at 12:57 AM Hi folks, I recently heard that some panda research institute in Chengdu allows visitors to give a *HUG* to the most lovable creature ever in existance. Has anyone had the pleasure of doing this?? Of course there is a hefty price involved but I feel like this is a once in a lifetime experience and no price is too high. I am making it my top mission to do this while I'm in china so I'd love to hear if any of you have done this already! THANKS! Quote
flameproof Posted January 23, 2007 at 01:19 AM Report Posted January 23, 2007 at 01:19 AM I recently heard that some panda research institute in Chengdu allows visitors to give a *HUG* to the most lovable creature ever in existance. Have a look at their claws and teeth and then think again. I am sure they use either, or both when hugged. Further, Pandas stink and their whole appearance looks really dirty at closer look. Quote
Lindsay Posted January 23, 2007 at 01:26 AM Author Report Posted January 23, 2007 at 01:26 AM http://writenow.wordpress.com/2006/09/20/dont-hug-a-panda-not-even-gu-gu/ this article just turned on a gazillion lightbulbs in my head. forget about paying. honestly, this is something i would do, sober. if i'm ever going to get arrested, i might as well do it over trespassing a panda crib. Quote
Jonny Wang Posted January 23, 2007 at 01:32 AM Report Posted January 23, 2007 at 01:32 AM I have friends who have indeed done this, although it was 5 or 6 years ago. I don't know how it was set up in terms of payment, but they got to hold and take a picture with a relatively young panda (dog-sized). Don't know if it's still possible or not. I do know that in Penglai, Shandong, you can pay 300rmb to scuba-dive in the huge fish aquarium (largest in Asia). I did that this past October and it was really cool. (sh) Quote
Lindsay Posted January 23, 2007 at 01:45 AM Author Report Posted January 23, 2007 at 01:45 AM What kind of fish or creatures did they have in this aquarium? Was it cold as heck? I went snorkeling last March in the sandy beaches of Florida and the water almost froze my behind off. I'm pretty sure its still possible to canoodle with a panda so I'd rather touch something fluffy than slimey creature. Quote
flameproof Posted January 23, 2007 at 03:13 AM Report Posted January 23, 2007 at 03:13 AM Shandong, you can pay 300rmb to scuba-dive in the huge fish aquarium I know, with gen technology everything is possible. But typically Pandas still live largely in trees. But pandas are easy to confuse with killer whales, which are black and white too. And they live in the water, and not on trees. On a serious note, if you really like the animal you would simply leave it untouched in its natural habitat. Quote
Lindsay Posted January 23, 2007 at 03:29 AM Author Report Posted January 23, 2007 at 03:29 AM Believe me, I am very considerate when it comes to animal rights and I've put a lot of thought into this capitalistic "hug a panda" business venture undertaken by those panda research institutes. The way I look at it, the amount of money I'll be shelling out to have a momentary connection with a panda will contribute to the ongoing research that goes into perserving China's most precious endangered species. Needless to say, it takes a lot of money to hire the best and right people to care for the animals. Although my measly 800 yuan (that's the price i heard) would not make much of a difference compared to the national and international funding and donations they do receive, but it is the best I can do. There is clearly a demand from consumers or animal admirers like myself so it would be economically inefficient to forgo this opportunity. I think this hug a panda service is quite rewarding to both the researchers and the oogling tourist. And as for the pandas, well, there's a reason why those fickle eaters are endangered. They're living the high life under the loving care of their caretakers. Quote
Jonny Wang Posted January 23, 2007 at 03:46 AM Report Posted January 23, 2007 at 03:46 AM The aquarium offers two scuba options. One is to swim in the shark tank (even feed them if you want - from inside a cage) or swim in the big main aquarium, which was filled with all kinds of creatures. Some of the more impressive were huge sting rays, sea turtles of some sort, and some smallish sharks. For safety reasons, an aquarium worker kind of piggy backs you as you swim around. While they don't actually have pandas, they do have two polar bears, one of which was entertaining everyone by tossing a big car tire into his pool then pouncing on it from the pool edge like it was a seal or some other yummy snack, and then dragging back out of the pool, and repeating it all over again. As for pandas and leaving them alone in their natural habitat, it seems to me that part of the panda's problem is their own stupidness. They seem to be one of the few species of animals on earth that is literally too dumb to mate (with any sort of proficiency or efficiency). Combine that with the fact that females can only get pregnant a few days of the year, and you've got a recipe for extinction. I'm guessing that at least these days, human intervention with pandas is helping, not hurting, the species. Bribing a zookeeper to hug one certainly doesn't help them directly, I agree. But if it generates more interest in the species, then it might help keep money flowing from zoos and conservation orgs around the world to help preserve the species. Cute species get all the attention! Quote
Lindsay Posted January 23, 2007 at 04:18 AM Author Report Posted January 23, 2007 at 04:18 AM Jonny- polar bears? sting rays? oh my! sounds like fun. was this your first time scuba diving? i've never done it so do you think this is something a beginner should do? then again, i wouldn't mind putting my life in complete and utter danger because i'm just nutty like that. i have always been a big fan of adrenaline pumping, senseless acts, much to the chagrin of my mom. Quote
griz326 Posted January 24, 2007 at 12:30 AM Report Posted January 24, 2007 at 12:30 AM As a guy who has black bear, grizzly bear and cougar in his yard several times a year "connecting" with a Panda is lunacy...even though it is a lunacy I understand. Every day I have 10 to 20 deer in my yard because I feed them. Even though the fawns would eat out of my hand - and they are REALLY cute - I never touch them. I have considered going to Chendu myself to see the Panda. Having a picture of me holding a Panda would be great for my mom, but I'll leave the Panda hugs to the people working with them. Quote
Xiao Kui Posted January 24, 2007 at 08:27 AM Report Posted January 24, 2007 at 08:27 AM A friend of mine held the panda and got his pic taken for 100 RMB at the Chengdu research base abt 5 yrs ago. This was a large baby panda and it was not with its mom at the time. It seemed pretty happy to be held in the picture. The day I was there (also 5 yrs) ago they were advertising the photo opps for 100RMB as well, but so. said the babies were sleeping. these pandas were babies from the nurseries and they were used to having their pics taken with humans. I don't know if any mishaps have happened, but it seems to me that the price has surely risen from 100 RMB. I often regret not taking another trip back to the base to catch the babies awake and playful. Quote
gougou Posted January 24, 2007 at 08:46 AM Report Posted January 24, 2007 at 08:46 AM black bear, grizzly bear and cougar in his yard Every day I have 10 to 20 deer in my yardSounds like an interesting combination...Back on topic, maybe just write these people an email. Quote
pandaxiongmao Posted January 24, 2007 at 10:57 AM Report Posted January 24, 2007 at 10:57 AM The research base in Chengdu only allows you to take a picture with adult bears nowadays. At least that was the way it was for visitors back in 2003. If you want a picture with a cub, you might have to go to Wolong. If you are not a volunteer doing long term panda research, I think the price would be quite a bit higher than 100RMB these days... the going rate for tourists back in 2003 was 200RMB. Adult bears have very thick fur, like a porcupine. You will be quite shocked if you think pandas have soft fur! Johnny, maybe pandas are too smart to reproduce. Ever seen the movie Idiocracy? Quote
nitropuppy Posted January 25, 2007 at 06:40 AM Report Posted January 25, 2007 at 06:40 AM Lindsey, I now live in Chengdu. I have been to the Panda research center many times. They are definitely adorable. However, after watching the adults wrestle and play, I can assure you, that they can do considerable damage to humans. DO NOT jump over the fencing just to hug a Panda. Not only will this get you in severe trouble, (ie; fined and probably deported) it will stress the already stressed animals. During one visit, some young punks were actually throwing big firecrackers at them. They were laughing about it. I thought this was one of the cruelest things I've seen in awhile. The research center also houses the rare Red Panda bear. These are small lemur size animals. also kinda cute. Go there and take a video camera. Take many photo's and video's. You can show all your PETA friends when you return home. As far as hugging a panda, the paid practice has all but stopped.(of course, a bunch of RMB handed to the right person can work miracles) If you really want to get close and know more, there is a volunteer program where you donate your time and help the center. Many bright eyed animal lovers have tried this. Of course, this is not all fun. You will be cleaning caged area's of the feces and mending fences. Only after the paid staff has built a liking for you, will you be able to get near enough to actually touch a Panda. Many so-called "volunteers", have left after their first blister. On a side note* Panda females are only in "Heat" once per year. Usually only for a few hours. This gives the males a limited time to procreate the species. However, artificial insemenation has proven effective. Recently, the chinese researchers have moved towards a kind of Panda porno. They show the captive males some panda porno film from the wild. Just to get them in the mood.( I guess guys are the same all over, regardless of species.) Remember, the Giant Panda is a Chinese National treasure. A protected species. They take very seriously, the care and protection of them. And remember what happened to that bright eyed idiot Timothy Treadwell. He thought he could live in the wild and be "friends" with grizzly bears. After two years of incredible luck, he became dinner. Unforunately,his equally ignorant girlfriend was suckered into his madness. And she was digested as well. Don't be foolish like that moron. Nitropuppy Quote
mpallard Posted January 25, 2007 at 07:45 AM Report Posted January 25, 2007 at 07:45 AM Screw the rules! Jump over the fence and hug the Pandas!!!!! Quote
bianfuxia Posted January 25, 2007 at 02:14 PM Report Posted January 25, 2007 at 02:14 PM I went to the Panda research place in Chengdu in August 2006 and they were still advertising the "Close Encounter with a Panda" experience. It was pretty pricey, something like 600 or 800 kuai, I think. I didn't see anyone do it but they had pictures on the advertising placard right next to the nursery bit on top of the little hill, showing people dressed up with white coats and gloves etc, hanging with the pandas. I can't quite remember if you were allowed to touch them or not, there was some fine print that now escapes me. I usually avoid zoos but this research station seemed to have its act together so maybe the close encounter thing isn't so bad. They have amazing little humidicribs there for the preemie pandas - probably the best post-natal care money can buy in China! Quote
Lindsay Posted January 25, 2007 at 03:19 PM Author Report Posted January 25, 2007 at 03:19 PM Yes, I think the panda researchers should get big props for the loving work that they do on a 24/7 basis. Have you guys seen these TV documentaries (sometimes on PBS) that show footage of these guys, following the pandas, and taking care of their essential and most intimate needs. They make special food for the pandas and really care about them. When its time to release the pandas back into the wild, you can just feel the heartwarming affection by both sides. This is why I'm adamant about going to Chengdu and meeting these kind people. As for the fence hopping, my friend suggested that I dress myself up in a panda costume and just hang out with the pandas like I'm one of their own. Quote
Lindsay Posted January 25, 2007 at 07:47 PM Author Report Posted January 25, 2007 at 07:47 PM watch this video and you will just melt. that's what i'm talking about. Quote
liuzhou Posted January 26, 2007 at 03:33 AM Report Posted January 26, 2007 at 03:33 AM my friend suggested that I dress myself up in a panda costume and just hang out with the pandas like I'm one of their own. http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,1983392,00.html Pandas are not the sweet cuddly things you seem to imagine. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-10/24/content_715276.htm http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-09/21/content_693519.htm Quote
Jonny Wang Posted January 26, 2007 at 03:43 AM Report Posted January 26, 2007 at 03:43 AM pandaxiongmao, Haven't seen Idiocracy yet. Does it deal with panda mating habits? Just kidding. Once they get around to fixing the internet cable in Taiwan, I'll look at your link. Quote
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