At the new Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat, two new yards feature several enriching features for both animal and visitor enjoyment and add more than 12,000 square feet to the pandas' outdoor exhibit. Additions to the indoor exhibit include a new room with a rocky outcrop and waterfall, another den, and more visitor viewing space and informational exhibits.
from Smithsonian Web Site
nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/PandaExhibit/defau...
Experience Asia Trail with an online and audio tour from Fujilfilm.
The creation of this state-of-the-art research facility and habitat is made possible in part by Fujifilm, who donated $7.8 million to the Zoo's giant panda program, the single largest sponsorship ever provided to the Zoo.
Many sustainable design strategies, such as planted “green†roofs to reduce stormwater runoff, were incorporated into the new habitat. Other elements include a solar hot water system; natural tree-resin bound paving material, instead of petroleum-based asphalt, on the visitor paths; recycled rubber; sustainably harvested ipe wood, which is naturally resistant to pests and rot; and dried bamboo, because it is rapidly renewable resource and does not deplete the environment when harvested. more Asia Trail green elements
Outdoor Exhibit
The pandas' state-of-the-art Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat is designed
to mimic the pandas' natural habitat of rocky, lush terrain in China.
Each element has a purpose—from helping the pandas stay cool in hot
weather to giving them a place to hide when they need privacy. There
are rock and tree structures perfect for climbing; grottoes, pools,
and streams for keeping cool; and shrubs and trees, including weeping
willows, corktrees, and maples, and several species of bamboo.
Water-cooled grotto has cold-water pipes in the walls that provide a
cool respite.
Low trees and shrubs provide shade and cover.
Fog grove creates a misty retreat from the heat.
Pools and streams offer refreshing dips on hot days.
Rocks and fallen trees allow for climbing and exercise.
Visitors can enjoy two levels from which to view the pandas, several
areas where they may be just inches away from the bears, separated
only by glass, and the new Clint Fields Conservation Plaza, where they
can learn more about efforts to save pandas and their habitat through
the stories of real people here and in China. At the Plaza's Decision
Stations, people can get a sense of the complexity of conservation
choices by watching videos about wildlife-people dilemmas and deciding
which actions to take. Other features at the Plaza include a
topographic map of the mountains of central China and exhibits about
alternative economic activities to reduce habitat destruction.
Portraits of villagers, scientists, park rangers, and others, with the
real tools of their conservation work, will be highlighted. Multimedia
displays of photos, video, and audio will give visitors a sense of
place, introducing them to the sights and sounds of China's wilds.
As seen in Wired:
www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/08/seeing-animals/
squarerootofcute, TimeShifter, pandawestie, fa11inleaf, and 16 other people added this photo to their favorites.
TimeShifter 70 months ago | reply
Now there's a picture, that really speaks to the purity of what loving the Giant Panda is all about. It's not about you! It's not about me! It's all about the Magic, that the Pandas bring to so many people's lives. I remind myself of that fact often, it has served me well. Wish I could see the wonderment in his eyes. Thanks
Please add this photo to Fruitsicle Award Choice Thread because your photo is "mmm mmmm good" like a fwootie. Please be sure to add the tag "fcawinner".
squarerootofcute 70 months ago | reply
You said it, TimeShifter!!! This is truly a magical picture. The position of the boy's hand is exquisite.
marcia4tai 70 months ago | reply
what a wonderful picture! I agree TimeShifter - well said! it is the Magic of it all!
zhakora 70 months ago | reply
Wonderful.
pandawestie 70 months ago | reply
Well said Time Shifter.......great photo!!!
Cowtools 70 months ago | reply
Great capture of the moment!
I've heard that some animal rights advocates claim that zoos should be abolished, since people can learn about wildlife through documentaries. This picture refultes that argument without a word - this kid's excitement & absorption could only come from first-hand experience.
Thushan Sanjeewa 70 months ago | reply
Wow excellent thinking & capture my friend
You are definitely a Nature Watcher!
Please add this photo to http://www.flickr.com/groups/naturewatching/
and tag your photo "Nature Watcher"
Congratulations! You're eligible for PHOTO CONTESTS
--
Seen in the interestingness archives. (?)
Tai.Shar 70 months ago | reply
This is fantastic...I'd love to see that little boy's face...wonderful photo.
bian_coniglioE'stannca di ql che si duplicano... [deleted] 70 months ago | reply
fantastic....compliments
+
JNW2007 68 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Animals & Kids, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
JNW06 63 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Youth Nature Watch, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
melcir.meri 53 months ago | reply
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GREEN GECKO SUSTAINABLE PLANET AWARD
Spread the Earthcare Action! vision: "EARTHCARE ... EARTHCARE ... everywhere!!!"
Be carbon neutral at home and work. ~ Go Solar, etc.
Clear waterways! Restore green habitat. ~ Plant trees!!
Help those in distress, or un-nurtured. ~ Love one another.
You are invited ~ join if you wish ~ to exhibit in "***Volunteers in Earthcare ACTIONS!! ~ 'FIRST-THE EARTH!' Photo-ART " group
HAPPY & GREEN '09, YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE ECO-ACTION FOR EARTH!!!
The Natural Capital 45 months ago | reply
Nice shot, and thanks for putting it in the Creative Commons -- I've used it to illustrate a blog post on kids and nature:
thenaturalcapital.blogspot.com/2009/08/attachment-to-natu...
trekaroo 42 months ago | reply
your photo rocks! we have selected it for use on *trekaroo*, the definitive travel source for parents by parents. your photo will be displayed and credited to your flickr username. check it out and share your opinion on the *national zoo*.
thanks for sharing and happy travels with your kids!