Yes but a while ago!
Passing through California in October 2000
We spent a day at the zoo in San Diego
There were two exhibits we’d never seen before so finding where they were on the map of the grounds was top of the list of things to do as soon as we walked through the gates and going by the crowds that Thursday I think every school kid and teacher for miles around had the same idea lol
We stood for a long long time in a glassed underground viewing area watching the Polar Bears swimming around what was called The Polar Bear Plunge
This was the only photo that was any good.
So then it was on to see the Pandas
No hanging around here waiting for the best picture opportunity
We waited for ages before being allowed to walk slowly past their enclosure
Only one good photo – remember this was before the days of digital
or at least before we went digital lol
Sad to say I don’t really remember which panda this was or if the polar bears had names
I can’t find anymore photos from that day so can’t recall anything else we saw that day.
However these days
you don’t even have to fork out the price of an airline ticket to see the exhibits.
There are many pandas living in zoos outside China
http://www.giantpandazoo.com/panda/panda-zoos
The San Diego zoo now has a fabulous website with live webcams
click on the tab named video
and through the wonders of the www you can see them and other animals live
Some days they are active – others they seem sleepy
Just the luck of the draw – and the weather
Oh and there’s a fun video there of the polar bears playing in snow!
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/polarcam/
http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/polar-bear
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/pandacam/
http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/giant-panda
Oh dear, thats the trouble with reliving memories
My little planning book comes out and I start thinking about how nice it would be to return
What triggers those thoughts with you or do never return anywhere for another look?
Still Waters 
Hmm… my triggers are photographs, smells and sounds. I return, only in my mind, I am not a traveler like you. 🙂
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I don’t go away that often Sharon – it justs looks like it. Smells do it for me also
Cathy
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G’day Cathy. Love the Polar Bear. I would really like to see one. Memories of travels are wonderful. My memories of when my son and I were in Vienna, Venice and France a few years ago are what made us decided to travel back to France in January of this year. Venice is on the cards again, but my love of France will see us definitely going back there in a couple of years. Take care. Liz…
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Making plans is half the fun isn’t it Liz – I’m sure you will get there with the way you are going with your treatment
Cathy
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David and I saw polar bears at the Ueno Zoo in Japan in 2008.
We saw one of the Giant Pandas at Ocean Park in Hong Kong in 2010.
Ah, memories!
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Did they have the same pulling power that these did for us gigi? Hopefully you will get to see them in the flesh again some time
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If you were at the San Diego Zoo in October 2000 you got to see WaiMei the panda born in August, 1999. I watched her via Panda Cam from newborn to six months of age when Ron and I went there to see her the February of 2000 the day she was debuted in the enclosure. The line was long and they did move us through quietly and quickly but I loved every second of it. I am so happy to got to see her too. She is now in China since she and her parents were only on loan to us.
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Lucky you to be in it right from the word go Annie
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Pandas and Polars! Fun post. We have a polar bear exhibit close by, and seeing pandas was on my bucket list, but I got to cross it off a number of years ago.
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Hello GNG – If you had the chance would you go and see them again?
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I’ve gotta get back to the zoo…soon. Dianne
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Zoos are fun Dianne – most have altered/raised their standard of care for the animals now. Yes we must take time for all things and fun is one of them!
Cathy
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Smells can definitely transport me back somewhere instantly. And you’re right, looking at old photographs can make me yearn to go back to a place as well. Just packing my suitcase for my upcoming trip to the Maldives – this will be our third visit there, and it’s just paradise on earth as far as I’m concerned.
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thanks for these great links Cathy, I visited the pandas at the San Diego zoo, I think 2002. I’d like to revisit Innsbruck Austria, it was so beautiful and charming there, quite small.
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Interesting that you should ask that question on this post because zoos are one of my favorite places. I try to go to the zoo in every city that I visit; the ones close by get multiple visits.
I clicked over to the polar cam and panda cam, but no action. Maybe tomorrow. 🙂
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I love the photo of the polar bears – that looks totally amazing.
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