The Panda Research Base, established just north of the city of Chengdu in 1987, has two main goals. They are currently working to increase the panda population, which has fallen to about 1000 individuals, and have raised 44 panda cubs. In the future, they hope to reintroduce pandas into the wild.

This is a sub-adult panda, maybe 2 or 3 years old. We also saw adult pandas eating bamboo and three cubs playing together, but they were inside, since it was a hot day.

Red pandas are smaller relatives of the giant panda. They have the same black mask and legs, but also have a long striped tail. Red pandas prefer bamboo leaves, while giant pandas eat the stalks, but both enjoy tender bamboo shoots. They both have an enlarged wristbone on their forepaws which functions as a thumb, and helps them hold the bamboo as they eat it. Also because of this, they are good climbers. We saw one red panda cross the enclosure walking in the treetops. Though not as rare as their larger cousins, the red panda is also an endangered species.

The Panda Research Base is also a sanctuary for other species, like the black-necked crane. This lake was so peaceful that we just sat by it for awhile watching the birds fly and swim. The little white dots you see in this picture are actually cranes, herons, swans and ducks. We never knew cranes perched in trees, but if you look closely you will see that is where many of them are resting.

We saw lotus ponds all over southern China. If you look half way down in this picture, and about 1/3 of the way in from the right side, you will see a pink lotus blossom. There are several varieties and sizes of lotus, and they are all striking. All parts of the lotus plant are useful. The rhizomes (or roots), stems and flowers are all edible. The leaves are used to wrap rice dishes, and the seeds are used both as medicine and as food. Lee is especially fond of crisp lotus root. In the background is another food plant - banana trees. They made us think of Philip.

Behind Lee and Deanna is a sculpture of a mama panda holding her baby, just as they do in real life. In fact, although 60% of panda preganancies result in twins, the mother usually holds one constantly and ignores the other. At the Panda Research Base, they help the second twin to survive as well by keeping one baby in an incubator while the mother holds the other. When she is sleeping, they switch the babies, and twin #2 gets to be held by mama for awhile.The giant panda has been officially designated as China's National Treasure, and we wholeheartedly agree.

Copyright 2004, Dr. Lee Williams

Last Modified: 15 July 2004

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