I have collected zoo patches for over thirty years and "Flying Panda" is the most historically significant and my favorite.In 1972, China made a gesture of friendship to President Nixon by donating a pair of giant pandas to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Only a handful (a dozen?) patches were made, to commemorate the Air Force flight that brought the two animals to America. From what I understood, the flight crew and the animal caretakers wore this patch.
The patch, in red, white, and blue, shows a panda with wings. The trip took ten days, and was a collaboration between the National Zoo, the Smithsonian, and the US Air Force.
The female, Ling-Ling and the male Hsing-Hsing lived for many years, but breeding was unsuccessful. Now, several AZA (American Association of Zoos and Aquariums) facilities exhibit and breed giant pandas. The animals are all on loan from the Chinese government, and significant funds are generated for research and conservation for wild pandas.
1 comment:
…and you have a patch collection? Your heart is only exceeded by your dynamic and complex personality. I can only wonder what you think about the average middleclass youth of America… I see folks around me who accomplish an amazing and nearly inconceivable amount of nothing. You on the other hand, are as remarkable in the opposite way. You inspire me to retire and join the Peace Corps. Guillaume
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