Happy 8th Birthday, Si Jia! Be strong & be happy! Due to rain, her birthday celebration was held indoor. Si Jia should be happy getting special treats but the look in her eyes tell a different story, you could see sorrow in her eyes. So sad! The three pandas Si Jia (思嘉), Qian Qian (芊芊) and Mei Qian aka Mei Xi (美茜) – all females less than two years old were transported out of Wolong to another base in Yaan, Sichuan after 2008 catastrophe earthquake destroyed their home. Due to continuous aftershocks and landslides, the pandas were moved to Kunming, where it is hoped they will recover from what is essentially post-traumatic stress disorder over the next two years. They didnt come to Kunming alone, their keeper Xiao Yi also moved to Kunming from Wolong to care for them. Although their main caretaker Xiao Yi was sent there by Wolong panda center, his salary was paid by Yunnan Safari Park, just like the other keepers who moved to take care of their pandas. Many zoos in China do not provide benefits. Like many keepers, Xiao Yi left 2 years later, seeking another job without worries. Another keeper was sent to take over, he too left. The third keeper Wei Wei also left. Many of you may not know, pandas have an emotionally strong bond with their keepers. The keepers that Si Jia bonded with, all have left. All three pandas are supposed to return to Sichuan together in the summer of 2012, but only Qian Qian left and Si Jian and Mei Qian remained in Kunming. After Mei Qian was sent back to Sichuan in March 30 2014, Si Jia becomes the sole panda left in Kunming. She became lonely and depressed. The zoo installed a play area and LCD television set and played image of Si Jia and Mei Qian playing together when they first arrived from Sichuan. The TV set served its purpose, Si Jia recovered and in good spirits again. But lately, visitors noticing Si Jia seems sad and unhappy. Many fans have watched her grow up. Her tell-tale signs of depression are feelings of betrayal or abandonment. How can we help our beloved Si Jia???
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 20:53:16 +0000