Chengdu Zoo

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We had the unique opportunity to receive a personal tour by a zoo veterinarian. A friend of my brother and sister-in-law's has been a vet at this zoo for two years and he is the only Western zoo vet in all of China. (This is also his last week there as he is planning to go into private practice where he can offer more of his services to farmer's in need of vetrinary care to keep their animals (and their subsistance) alive.

We learned all kinds of interesting facts, and laughed at the animals reactions to him as some of them recognized him.

Since we are going to the Panda Reserve on Friday, we'll save the panda photos for then.

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Photos

Asian Elephants
The elephant in the background is the largest male Asian elephant in captivity (I think I'm remembering that correctly...). Since the males can be so dangerous, no one goes within trunk-reach of this big guy.

She
No one goes near him...except for her

A moment
I love these scenes that remind us we are...in China!

Feeding the fish
These guys go a bit crazy for the food

Open mouth insert ???
I think these fish have a rich diet of...whatever people are eating at the time.