The Chongqing Zoo

http://gallery.me.com/jsigmon24#gallery

Our guide, Sophie, took us to the Chongqing Zoo today and as you can see they have a wonderful panda exhibit. The pandas eat 25 kg of bamboo and there is one panda in the exhibit, who is the youngest and most spoiled, her trainer supplements her bamboo with watermelon, ice cream and pepsi! We also saw the red pandas, which have the panda face but are built like a raccoon and red in color. There were many other animals, but Mary Kate's favorite was the panda. When we saw the pandas, she lit up and pointed to them. She loved being outdoors and held close to me, she definitely recognizes and trusts me, but I am not sure that she considers me mama yet. Each morning it takes her some time to get reacquainted with us, but her appetite is increasing and she smiles more each day, though still very stoic most of the time. Her orphanage director said that her name also means brave and she has certainly been that, we cannot imagine what must be going through her mind.

As you may or may not know, I am married to a photographer, who has been nicknamed" The Paparazzi." He is truly a very talented photographer and has taken many pictures on this trip. Attached at the top of the page is the link to his gallery. Click on each album to view photos.

P.S. Thanks for the darling bubble for MK, Jenny, I think it looks perfect!