SEATTLE — The people working to bring giant pandas to the Seattle area from China announced Monday they are making big steps toward the goal.
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But local zoos caution it is an uphill battle that is much more complicated than it seems at first glance.
“There’s nothing in our system that’s ready for this, so this private foundation really has a big lift ahead of them to make this work,” said Hunter George, public affairs officer for Metro Parks Tacoma, which oversees Point Defiance Zoo.
Pandas are expensive; they require a great deal of bamboo, specialized care and research, and a special enclosure. China will also likely require a million dollars a year for the animals, a cost the foundation is keeping in mind even though co-chair Ron Chow believes that number can be negotiated.
They are optimistic about raising the millions needed.
“Without naming names, we already have mass support from private… and personal… business around the region,” Chow said. “I do not think at this time [that] financial is our challenge.”
“Where we're really at with this is the ability to raise in a short term somewhere near $20 million, although we would look for $30 million,” Steilacoom mayor and board member Ron Lucas said.
Bringing pandas to the area is an exciting idea for some local families.
“I want to see a baby panda,” 2-year-old Leena Lakhani said in her mother’s arms at a Seattle playground Monday.
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“Well, how can I resist that?” mother Amy Lakhani said.
The Foundation revealed it's been invited to the International Panda Conference in China later in October. Afterward, its members hope China will identify a panda reserve to work with them.
They expect Chinese officials to visit next spring to zero in on which zoo they prefer and really get the ball rolling.
“When you get into the details, it's really, really complicated,” George said.
Even if the initial and ongoing funds are provided, where on the 27 acres would they put the pandas, he asked.
And there are impacts to the zoo itself.
“We don't have enough parking at Point Defiance for our current activities,” he said. “So now let’s add pandas to it? There's nowhere for them to go.”
George said there are a lot of obstacles to overcome in order to make it work but their door is open to speak with the foundation if it can figure out finances and logistics.
Woodland Park Zoo also highlighted the costs of daily care and staff, specialized research, and a new panda exhibit its officials estimate would cost $20 million to $30 million on its own.
“The current strategic plan for the zoo does not include any funding for these efforts,” Woodland Park Zoo said in part in a statement. “The zoo does not have plans to bring pandas to Seattle at this time.”
Cox Media Group
