Panda People

Posted on January 25th, 2011

An Unusual Momma Panda

What is the best way to raise a Panda? The answer is simple. To be a Panda. This is what conversationalist in China is doing to make sure Panda cubs do not get dependent on humans. Dressing up like giant pandas, the cubs will not grow to recognize humans as a resource, this is the idea anyway.

Pandas are very picky maters and produce very few offspring. This, along with habitat loss and poaching has driven the animals to near extinction. This is why such extreme measures are being taken to protect the species.

The cubs born in captivity are raised in a conservation of fenced off forest. Scientist dressed in panda costumes tends to cubs. The panda people are responsible for feeding, bathing, and nurturing the cubs. When the cubs come of age they will then be released into their natural habitat in hopes that they will survive on their own without the help of the panda people.

This year the Chinese had 19 births in captivity. One such panda Xiang Xiang was found dead 10 months after being released into the wild. Xiang Xiang appeared to have been killed by other pandas. Because of this murder conversationalist are trying any and all-new techniques to ensure the survival of the re-introduced pandas. There are less than 2,500 pandas left in the wild today.

Whether this new panda people technique will work is yet to be seen. Best wishes go out to the cubs and hope their survival and successful integration into the wild so that this majestic species may continue to flourish.