Monday, April 2, 2012

Giant Pandas in Chengdu

I thought their eyes were oddly human-like.   
The reason most tourists come to Chengdu is to visit the Giant Panda Research Center which is located on the edge of Chengdu.  This facility is dedicated to preserving the Giant Panda whose numbers have dwindled to an estimated 500 in the province of Sichuan although I've also heard there are up to 3000.  So, go figure.  Pandas are solitary animals who only come together to breed in a 72 hour period ONCE a year.  Can you imagine if that were true for humans?  Our teenage pregnancy rate would plummet if we females were only fertile 72 hours a year. 


Also, the male panda has a reputation for not being particulary amorous.  So, scientists in Chendgu have spent years figuring out how to breed the pandas.  The scientists use electrical stimulation, syringes, sprayed urine, and extra rations of apples.  Candles and romantic music are not part of the routine.


These are the babies after I think they are about 3 months old.
There are about 60 breeding pandas at the center currently. The tipping poing for releasing them into the wild is 300, so it is a busy place. When I first went to the Center in September, I saw 8 baby pandas that were in a crib. They resembled hairless rats although you could see that they were going to grow black and white fur. In October, they had their hair and were much bigger. (See photo!) These roly poly guys are now in an outdoor pen together. They look like they are about 30 pounds. I saw a fascinating BBC documentary about the Panda Research Center called "Panda Makers" filmed in 2010 if  anyone is interested.

Pandas are adept tree climbers.  This one was probably 15 feet up.

For a whopping $150, you can sit for 5 minutes with a toddler panda which probably weighs close to 100 pounds. For Zane's birthday, I bought us all this experience since the money is "used to help further the research". We each got to wear a surgical gown in order to sit next to an apple munching panda on a bench. It was a once in a lifetime experience to hug a panda. I can't say I've ever sat next to a bear before. And these are not your average bears...


I swear this guy was waving to me. 

The 100 acre park is gorgeous - it is covered with enormous bamboo trees although the bamboo the pandas eat is harvested elsewhere in Sichuan. A lot of careful attention has been paid to the landscaping with large flower beds everywhere interspersed with streams, lakes, and topiary. Even though the park is on the edge of the city, it's tranquil. It's always a relief to get away from the sound of jackhammers, horns, and the loud hum of constant traffic. 

It appeared to be too much effort to sit up and constantly eat the bamboo. 
Many were stretched out on their backs while munching on the bamboo.



It's easy to see why the WWF has chosen the panda to serve as its mascot for endangered animals.  I think even the most jaded among us would get gooey and sentimental over these adorable creatures!

3 comments:

  1. Fabulous experience for you and the kids! Thanks for sharing your fun news.

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  2. Hey Amy! Awesome pictures!! Especially the third one with the eyes blending with the tree branches . . . very arty :)

    Keep making the most of the experience!

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  3. Counting down the days! Miss you friend! --Tricia

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