Hug a Panda
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Giant Pandas are a Chinese national treasure which are bordering on extinction. Only found only in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, they number less than 1000.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is located in the west of Sichuan Province, 6 miles (10 kilometers) from downtown Chengdu on Futou Hill, and can be reached by the Panda Road. 80% of Pandas in China are breeding and multiplying here.
Chengdu — population of nearly 10 million people — is a culture famous city with 2,300 years’ history and is also the Panda’s hometown. Chengdu is mainly a tourist town nestled in against the Sichuan Mountains that climb west-northwest all the way to the top of the world in Tibet.
The Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center was designed to emulate the Pandas’ natural habitat to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. The Research Center spans an area of 92 acres, 96% of which is lush vegetation. The Center also cares for other rare and endangered wild animals including red pandas, black-necked cranes, white storks and over 20 species of rare animals which are fed and bred there throughout the year.
Numerous varieties of bamboo, trees, and flowers thrive at the Research Center. The man-made structures are designed to blend with the natural scenery.
The Center has an active program of rescue, research, and breeding. The 
Pandas are housed in ‘open enclosures’ where they’re cared for greatly. You can actually pay to hug a young Panda or volunteer to help at the Research Center. The adult Pandas can become easily stressed, so their exposure is limited to the public when warranted.
The Giant Panda Museum is also located at the Research Center, providing educational information on a variety of species native to China, research labs and a training center.
Wild Giant Pandas can be found in the Chengdu governed areas of Chongzhou, Dujiangyan, Dayi, Pengzhou, and Qionglai.
The Center plans to expand by another 500 acres of land which will simulate a natural environment to prepare the giant Pandas for release into the wild. They’ll be raised with methods to provide them with the necessary skills to survive in the wild. Their reintroduction will both increase their numbers and the genetic diversity of the wild population. In doing this, the Research Base hopes to help ensure the survival of Giant Pandas and increase their chances to coexist with mankind.
The Giant Panda Museum opened in 1993, and is the world’s only museum in the world which focuses entirely on the Giant Panda and rare and endangered animal species. The three main exhibitions are in the Giant Panda Hall, the Butterfly Hall and the Vertebrate Hall.
The Chengdu Research Base and the Chengdu Zoo jointly house 33% of the captive Giant Panda embryo transfers and genome resource banking for endangered species. Numerous highly revered Chinese scientists have conducted preliminary research in the lab on Giant Panda embryo transfer with significant results, some of which are the most advanced in the world.
Some of these research projects include the rearing of twin cubs by one mother, DNA paternity determination, endangered species sperm-banking, and etiology and prevention for hemorrighic entertis.
Since 1980-1997, 46 cubs from 31 litters have been born in captivity in Chengdu, with 27 survivors. Mei Mei, a Panda from Chengdu gave birth to 11 cubs in nine litters for which 7 cubs survived. Her daughter Qing Qing gave birth to 10 cubs in 6 litters.
Poaching is uncommon — killing a panda was punishable in China by death until the law was changed in 1997 with a the penalty up to 20 years imprisonment.
Though the Giant Panda is often considered docile because of their cuteness, they have been known to attack people, generally due to irritation rather than predatory behavior. They typically live to 20-30 years while in captivity.
The giant panda eats shoots and leaves, almost exclusively bamboo. Pandas lack the proper enzymes to digest bamboo efficiently, and derive little energy and little protein from it. But they will also eat meat, fish, and eggs when available. Their sluggish speed is due to their mainly bamboo diet.
The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center
Baby Panda at the Panda Breeding Research Center
Panda Newscast
Watch as a reporter is tackled by playful Pandas.
Sneezing Baby Panda
Sources: Travel China Guide and China Tyfo Photos owned by a contact who wishes to remain anonymous.
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Zoo Turns Pando Poo to Profit
Nice vids on the panda, Deborah! I have always wanted to pet one! They seem so gentle and nice! And they are cute and cuddly too! And I kid you not!
AnitoKid at http://www.anitokid.blogspot.com
I’d love to HUG one Anitokid! That alone would be worth the trip to China
Very interesting stuff Deborah. I love the Panda bears. You want to see the cutest and funniest thing at the same time? Perhaps you could add it to your wonderful article. Check out this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzRH3iTQPrk
It’s of a baby Panda sneezing and momma has a great reaction too. It just makes you laugh and go ahwwww at the same time. Enjoy. Nitropuppy
I’d pay to hug a Panda 2!
Great post! Now I have TWO reasons to visit Chengdu!
Too funny Nitropuppy! Thanks, I’ve added it
Thanks Kuanyin
Shall we pool our pennies together and go? 
They are adorable Deborah…..great photos and videos….
wow life of panda
panda are very sweet these pics and video are very great never see panda like this
Glad you enjoyed it, Meditation
While pandas look cuddly and soft, the fur is actually quite stiff…almost like putting your hand on a hairbrush.
It’s a wonderful treat to be in the pen with the Panda’s. They do charge $50 (per person) to be in the pen with a panda (and many keepers) and have a picture (actually many pictures) taken of you and the Panda. They give you plastic covers for your shoes and plastic gloves….no, not to protect you…to protect the Panda from anything you might be carrying on your shoes or hands.
It is definitely worth doing…just spend the money and you will have a picture that you will be showing friends for the rest of your life. And, of course, the szechuan food is pretty darn good
That surprises me that their fur is stiff, Doug. They do appear so soft and cuddly.
That’s just as I would have guessed with the plastic covers, to prevent spreading germs to them. They’re so rare that they can’t afford to lose then due to contamination.
The $50 would be more than worth it … I’d love to! What an experience to remember
And don’t forget that you’re helping to contribute to sustain the conservatory.