When we all found out what that so-called suspicious device was that caused a stir around the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park Thursday, everyone was relieved that it was not anything suspicious at all.
But when we found out that there were some pieces of bamboo involved, there were those that joked that maybe it was the doing of the Pandas trying to send a message they won’t want to leave and don’t want to go to China. They like it here.
But leave they must. And Monday is the final day for all of us to see the giant pandas that have lived at the World Famous San Diego Zoo for decades.
The Zoo’s long-term giant panda breeding loan has come to an end.As required in the loan agreement, the giant pandas must return to China
And Monday is the last day to see them.For the last several weeks since the announcement of their departure, crowds have flocked to see the giant Pandas and the lines have been long.And no doubt they will remain long….through their final day of being able to call themselves San Diegans.
They will be missed.The Pandas have become as much a part of San Diego as anything and have helped draw lots of tourists and lots of tourist dollars to our economy.
And because of the San Diego Zoo’s conservation program, the panda has been moved from endangered to vulnerable on the world’s threatened species list.
The zoo hopes to get more pandas in the future, but for now, sadly it’s time to say goodbye to OUR Giant Pandas.
(Photo credit 10News)