This Gallery represents what I saw in China in 2017. I was able to 'pay' to be a Panda-keeper for two days in Dujiangyan Panda Base. It was a wonderful experience! The Chinese are doing a decent job of breeding and conservation. I went in the month of January because it was not crowded. Is there anything cuter than a panda? Hard to choose photos!
Two 18-mo-old siblings
These two wrestled high in the tree but as all photographer's complain, getting both faces or the pose you want is never easy. It takes time and sometimes you don't have the time. 2017
18-mo-old 3
Teething on a branch while hanging upside down is always a good idea. 2017
18-mo-old 2
Learning to climb and hang. 2017
18-mo-old upside down 1
Have you ever seen anything as adorable as an upside down panda? 2017
Bamboo Flute
Ok, so he's eating the bamboo but this is totally how humans hold a flute. 2017
Tai Shan 4
Busy eating, and eating, and eating. 2017
Tai Shan 3
Tai Shan sitting in bamboo, scratching an itch. 2017
Adult Female
It's hard to find an adult panda who isn't sleeping. They don't play very much and eat and sleep. Anytime I can catch them doing something is a real treat. 2017
Playful Cubs
These guys roll, tumble play all the time. 2017
Sleepy Cub
I could have watched these guys for hours! 2017
Cub practices climbing
Chengdu Panda Base is the place to see cubs. 2017
Panda Cubs Playing 1
Watching many panda cubs playing is a real treat. We normally only see one or two at a time in the US if we're lucky. Chengdo, China. 2017
Tai Shan 2
This panda is quite the ham. Dujiangyan Panda Base, China. 2017
18-month-old
I got to sit next to this guy. Their fur feels like brush bristles. Not soft at all. Dujiangyan Panda Base. 2017
Tai Shan 1
Tai Shan was the real-life model Disney used for Kung Fun Panda. Dujiangyan Panda Base. 2017