End of an Era, Panda Farewell

With the recent announcement that the 2 remaining San Diego Zoo pandas, long-time resident 27 year old Bai Yun and her son 6 year old Xiao Liwu will be returned back to China next month, you can hear the hearts breaking all across America, mine included.  Over 20 years ago, 5 year old Bai Yun arrived in San Diego and became a pioneer of the panda breeding research program.  Within 3 years, she gave birth to the first surviving US captivity born panda cub Hua Mei, a huge breakthrough in panda research. 

Although I never got a chance to see Hua Mei in person before she was returned to China, I did manage to visit the San Diego Zoo to see all of Bai Yun and Gao Gao’s offsprings.  My first visit was before second born Mei Sheng was about to follow in his sister’s footsteps back to China as well.  Subsequent visits to see sisters Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, my first panda cub I followed from birth therefore having a special place in my heart, Yun Zi, aptly named son of cloud paying homage to mom and surprise bonus cub Xiao Liwu which we have seen once as a 17 month old cub

making mom the second oldest panda to give birth, another milestone for Bai Yun 

and again as a subadult.  

As each of the cubs return to China to further panda breeding research, Bai Yun has always been the staple even when partner Gao Gao 

was taken off exhibit due to health issues in his geriatric years and quietly returned to China last year with no warning. 

Although there is still a month until April 27th for visitors to get one more glimpse of these treasures at San Diego Zoo, sadly 2017 would have been my last.  

So it pains me to think of Bai Yun being relegated to a “retirement” area while facing culture shock in China now that her fertile years are behind her instead of rewarding her for the breakthroughs she was a big part of to downgrade the pandas from endangered to vulnerable recently and allow her to remain in familiar surroundings that has been her home for 22 years.  While I understand the agreement with China was always a loan program, I cannot help wondering if the strained trade relations between the two countries may have gave them pause to extend goodwill or because everything is just “business”, following the book by the letter instead of being flexible in the welfare of these beloved pandas.  With pandas the epitome of hope in my mind, it is not just an end of an era but just another devastating loss for the American people. 

Pulgas Water Temple, A Monument to Water

Less than an hour outside of the hustle and bustle of San Francisco and Silicon Valley is a hidden gem.  Yes, Filoli is one too - http://aroundthebayandaway.blogspot.com/2016/08/dynasty-downton-abbey-filoli.html although no longer hidden, but a lesser known one a few minutes down the road is the Pulgas Water Temple.  

The temple with its Corinthian columns was dedicated to San Francisco’s water access of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and is a popular spot for wedding photos and weddings as well so call (650) 872-5900 before you go in case they are closed for a private event. 

Only open on the weekdays and limited 30 minute parking means it is never overcrowded making this a perfect respite.  A short walk from the parking lot, you will pass a water fountain claiming to have one of the highest quality water to take a sip or fill up a water bottle and judge for yourself.  

Further down the path, a picturesque scene unfolds with the water temple to one side 

and the water pool which unfortunately was drained during our visit probably to avoid overflow and flooding due to the heavy rains we have been receiving this winter and vast lawn on the other side.  

With CA finally becoming drought free for the first time since 2011 and my husband about to start a new job the following day with the other water company across the Bay, our first visit here just seemed so serendipitous and fitting. 

Puglas Water Temple

80 Canada Road

Redwood City, CA 94062