However, there are hopeful signs. Right now, the Chinese government is conducting a survey of the number of pandas and their remaining habitat. In some places, there are plans to replant bamboo. One day Bai Yun called to Hua Mei as possibly a warning. Their usual friendly call sounds like a sheep's bleat.
Pandas mainly use their sense of smell to communicate.
In 1999 the numbers of captive pandas increased slightly. We hope this is a trend. The improved survival of infants is based on an improved milk formula for the twin that has to be reared in the nursery. This formula was developed here in San Diego. If the trend continues, we can expect the captive population to grow and, one day we hope some of these animals can go back to the wild.