143 days: Mei Zhang

Today I visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, an experience I had been eagerly anticipating. The morning was cool and pleasant, perfect for walking through the lush, bamboo-filled enclosures. While observing the pandas, I met a local researcher named Mei Zhang who was monitoring the pandas' activities.

Mei was kind enough to share some fascinating insights about the pandas and the conservation efforts at the base. She explained how the Research Base focuses not only on breeding, but also on educating the public about panda conservation. Mei's passion for her work was evident as she shared stories about individual pandas and their unique personalities.

We spent some time walking together, discussing the challenges and successes of panda conservation. Mei told me about her journey into the field, driven by a childhood fascination with pandas and a deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Her dedication was truly inspiring, and her knowledge added a rich layer of understanding to my visit.

I found a quiet spot near one of the enclosures and sketched a playful panda cub while Mei continued her observations. The interaction with Mei and the serene environment of the research base made for a fulfilling day. As the afternoon clouds gathered, I left the base with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness such dedicated conservation work and to have met someone as passionate as Mei.

Today's experience not only enriched my understanding of pandas, but also provided a beautiful blend of nature and humanity.