Giant Pandas - Cute, Adorable, Endangered

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Ranked #550 in Animals, #14,916 overall

Here you'll see why everyone loves Giant Pandas

Here you'll find information, facts, photos and videos about Giant Pandas. There are also informational links to organizations and sanctuaries who's mission is to save them. You can't look at these pictures and videos without smiling at these adorable bears.

For me, they almost don't look real but more like a big stuffed animal. And, they obviously don't know that they are critically endangered. Maybe ignorance is bliss. ~Sigh~

So, read about these wonderful Giant Pandas and really look at the pictures and videos. Smile, be happy and maybe even figure out what you can do to help save them for our children's children's children.

Scientific classification Of Giant Panda 


Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Ursidae
Genus: Ailuropoda
Species: A. melanoleuca

Binomial name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
(David, 1869)


From Wikipedia

Conservation Status

Endangered (IUCN 3.1)


From Wikipedia

Where Giant Panda Are Found 

Giant Pandas are found in several mountain ranges in China. Specifically, in the Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. They used to be found in the lowlands, however due to habitat destruction from farming and the clearing of forest of bamboo (their main source of food), they are now found only higher up.

What Giant Pandas Eat 

Although Giant Pandas are classified as carnivore, their diets are herbivorous as they eat bamboo (about 99%) but supplement their diet with whatever else is available such as bananas, oranges, leaves from shrubs, eggs and honey.

Due to the limited nutrition derived from bamboo, they eat lots of it -- as much as 14 kilos per day. They will also eat fish and eggs and meat when available.

In captivity, Giant Pandas are fed bamboo but they also get sweet potatoes, carrots, applies and sugar cane.

Giant Panda's Breeding and Birth 

Between the ages of 4 and 8 years old, Panda become sexually mature. They mate 1 time per year and usually give birth to 1 or 2 cubs. The cubs are quite helpless weighing in at only 3 to 4-1/2 ounces. They are also born blind and furless.

If 2 cubs are born in the wild, the mother will only take care of the strongest cub and leaves the 2nd cub to die. The remaining cub will stay with the mother for about 2 years. Like polar bears, the father has no part in raising the cub.

Although the cub is born hairless, fur begins to appear a month after birth along with black spots where the black fur will grow in. The cubs begins to crawl at 3 to 4 months old.

Giant Panda's Growth - the first 3 months of life 



During the first 3 months of life, the following occurs:
  • Eyes open.
  • Fur grows in
  • Black marking have developed.
  • Teeth have broken through gums.
  • They are scooting around but not walking yet.

Behavior of the Giant Panda 

Small groups of Giant Pandas share a large territory but are solitary bears who have their own defined territory. They are good climbers and create dens in trees and rock crevices. They do not hibernate and do not create permanent dens.

These cute bears communicate with each other vocally and through scent markings.

A Giant Panda Slide Show 

These images were all taken by ucumari, who is my favorite bear photographer on Flickr.

curated content from Flickr

Symbol of China 

Giant Panda are on stamps and coins

Lucky for Giant Pandas, the Chinese have NOT found any medicinal value in Panda body parts, unlike the Asiatic Bear and other animals. Although they are hunted for their fur and during famine, to eat.

In fact, the Chinese people have quite a love relationship with these cute bears. They are depicted as cute and cuddly and people swarm to the zoos to see them, especially when a new cub is born.

The Giant Panda's likeness is depicted on many stamps and coins.

Who, Me?

Panda Diplomacy 

China offers pandas as gifts to other countries

The Chinese used to give Giant Pandas as gifts to other countries. In 1984, however, instead of using pandas as agents of diplomacy, the China instead offered pandas to other nations on 10-year loans.

The fee of these "loans" were up to US$ 1,000,000 per year and came with a provision that any cubs born during the loan were the property of the People's Republic of China.

A WWF lawsuit in 1998 brought about a change in the U.S. Now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service only allows a U.S. zoo to import a panda IF the zoo can ensure that China will put more than half of its loan fee into conservation efforts for wild pandas and their habitat. Way to go WWF!

(photo of Hu Jintao during a defense meeting at the Pentagon in May, 2002)

Zhen Zhen - The panda cub at the San Diego Zoo 

Check out this cute video of a panda cub

Below is a video of the 1st year of life of Zhen Zhen, the little cub born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007.

Zhen Zhen is charming and keeps guests entertained with her antics and sense of curiosity. She can almost make you forget how endangered Giant Pandas are. Pandas are still with us because of the panda conservation effort that is happening world-wide.

PBS TV has put together this hour-long documentary about her first year. It also discusses the conservation effort that allowed her to be born and thrive.

To see when the documentary will playing on your tv, check online at Local PBS TV Schedule.

Now, off you go, check out Zhen Zhen in the video below.

Panda Tales starring Zhen Zhen 

Video of panda cub

PANDA TALES | PBS

Runtime: 179
190920 views
216 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Wonderful Videos Of Giant Panda 

More fun videos of panda and panda cubs


sneezing panda baby

Runtime: 15
589 views
0 Comments:


Giant Pandas in China WoLong

Runtime: 79
2486 views
1 Comments:


Giant Panda mating a success at The San Diego Zoo

Runtime: 231
104191 views
93 Comments:


Giant Panda Sanctuary

Runtime: 61
3592 views
3 Comments:


Giant panda Su Lin's 1st birthday party

Runtime: 116
12790 views
7 Comments:


Runtime:
views
Comments:


Chinese culture--Giant Panda at Play

Runtime: 265
764 views
2 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Panda Photo Caption Contest 

What is this little panda thinking?

Panda Photo Caption Contest

Add a new caption and vote for your favorites. Come back and vote for the new ones.



003c01c8d79dbdab8130a7ca664c.jpeg

Please don't hurt me.

2 points

No I didn' take Your Bamboo, What how did that get there.

Hehe Little Rascal2 points

Honest, it wasn't me.

1 point

Don't look at me like that, you're scaring me.

1 point

Whoa Big Boy!

1 point

I'm just the messenger.

1 point

who me i didn't do that....fine maybe i did its not that bad....DON'T look at me I'm hungry

1 point

I come in peace, bringing bamboo.

1 point

Patti Cake ,Patti Cake, bakers man

1 point

Come on. We can all fit.

FREE Giant Panda Kit 

Make A Paper Giant Panda

I shared with you the polar bear kit already, but here's one to build a paper-craft Giant Panda. It's also part of Yamaha Motor Company Rare Animals of the World Series of Paper Craft models. In bears, they only have the polar bear and the giant panda. Both are terrific.

Here's what the finished giant panda looks like:


panda-papercraft.jpg



The instructions are easy to follow: just match the names and numbered parts in the instructions. This will make a great family, summer break or school project.

Wonderful Books On Pandas 

Get books on pandas right here!

Here are some great books on Giant Pandas. Let people know which you think are the best by voting for your favorite book. It's okay to vote for more than 1. And, you can add a another one from Amazon or take a copy of this list. If you add one, don't forget to vote for it!

The Lady and the Panda: The True Adventures of the First American Explorer to Bring Back China's Most Exotic Animal by Vicki Croke

The Lady and the Panda: The True Adventures of the First American Explorer to Bring Back China's Most Exotic Animal by Vicki Croke

Here is the astonishing true story of Ruth Harknes more...1 point

Giant Pandas by John Seidensticker, Susan Lumpkin

Giant Pandas by John Seidensticker, Susan Lumpkin

Instantly recognizable to people everywhere, giant more...1 point

Smithsonian Book of Giant Pandas by Susan Lumpkin, John Seidensticker

Smithsonian Book of Giant Pandas by Susan Lumpkin, John Seidensticker

The recent arrival of the two giant pandas Tian Ti more...1 point

Giant Pandas by Gail Gibbons

Giant Pandas by Gail Gibbons

They are indigenous to China and are adored the wo more...1 point

Pookie Lookie, The Pink Spotted Panda Bear by Missie Shealey

Pookie Lookie, The Pink Spotted Panda Bear by Missie Shealey

Pookie Lookie is introduced to all of her panda pe more...0 points

I love my greens!

Project Panda Ware on Zazzle 

100% of the income from this Zazzle store goes to save Giant Pandas. The items in this store are all merchandise relating to 4 shared panda cub adoption projects that are being coordinated through Sandra Miller (pictured below) of PROJECT PANDA. The pandas cubs are being adopted from Wolong China through USA liaison, Panda's International, located in Colorado.

powered by Zazzle.com

Fun Panda Books For Kids 

Teach your kids about giant pandas. Here are some great books for kids. Let us know which your kids love most by voting. It's okay to vote for more than 1. And, you can add a another one from Amazon or take a copy of this list. If you add one, don't forget to vote for it!

Zen Shorts (Caldecott Honor Book)

Zen Shorts (Caldecott Honor Book)

"Michael," said Karl. "There's a re more...1 point

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? Board Book by Bill Martin, Eric Carle

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? Board Book by Bill Martin, Eric Carle

The third book in the bestselling Bear series, now more...1 point

Kung Fu Panda: Meet the Masters (I Can Read Book 2) by Catherine Hapka

Kung Fu Panda: Meet the Masters (I Can Read Book 2) by Catherine Hapka

The legend of the Dragon Warrior is famous all ov more...1 point

Kung Fu Panda Ultimate Sticker Book (Ultimate Sticker Books) by DK Publishing

Kung Fu Panda Ultimate Sticker Book (Ultimate Sticker Books) by DK Publishing

When Po, a chubby panda working in his parent's no more...1 point

Kung Fu Panda: The Junior Novel (Kung Fu Panda) by Susan Korman

Kung Fu Panda: The Junior Novel (Kung Fu Panda) by Susan Korman

No one is more shocked than Po the panda when he more...1 point

The Panda Puzzle (A to Z Mysteries) by Ron Roy

The Panda Puzzle (A to Z Mysteries) by Ron Roy

P is for Panda. . . .There's pandemonium in Green more...0 points

Pookie Lookie, The Pink Spotted Panda Bear by Missie Shealey

Pookie Lookie, The Pink Spotted Panda Bear by Missie Shealey

Pookie Lookie is introduced to all of her panda pe more...0 points

Let's just sleep here.

Giant Panda Videos 


Giant Pandas Bai Yun and Su Lin enjoying bamboo together


TWO BIG BIRTHDAYS FOR GIANT PANDAS AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO


Save the Giant Panda


Giant Panda (song: I need an Angel, Ruben Studdard)


Mom & Baby Giant Pandas at Zoo Atlanta with Bamboo


Take a look inside the world's largest Giant Panda breeding


The Most Pathetic Baby Panda Ever


Giant panda bear does handstand! BBC wildlife


curated content from YouTube

Fun Giant Panda Stuff on CafePress 

All these designs can be found on t-shirts, hats, poster, cards and anything else you want.

Panda Messenger Bag

Price: 24.99 Buy Now

Powered by CafePress

Giant Panda Origami 

Origami Made Easy

Amazon Price: $9.00 (as of 11/28/2009)Buy Now

Wonderful origami designs with instructions including the cute Giant Panda shown below.

Giant Panda from "Origami Made Easy"

Origami Papers and Books for Animals on Amazon 

Origami Zoo: An Amazing Collection of Folded Paper Animals by Robert J. Lang

Origami Zoo: An Amazing Collection of Folded Paper Animals by Robert J. Lang

In Origami Zoo, two of the world's finest paper fo more...0 points

Origami Animals by Djeco

Origami Animals by Djeco

A wonderfully simple step-by-step approach to orig more...0 points

Origami Animals (Kit with Book & Paper) (Crafts) by Michael G. LaFosse

Origami Animals (Kit with Book & Paper) (Crafts) by Michael G. LaFosse

From world renowned origami artist, Michael LaFoss more...0 points

Yasutomo Animal Print Origami 5-3/4 Inch Papers 24/Package, Square

Yasutomo Animal Print Origami 5-3/4 Inch Papers 24/Package, Square

Create something unique with Fold'Ems! This pack c more...0 points

Animal Origami for the Enthusiast: Step-by-Step Instructions in Over 900 Diagrams/25 Original Models by John Montroll

Animal Origami for the Enthusiast: Step-by-Step Instructions in Over 900 Diagrams/25 Original Models by John Montroll

Challenging new collection of paper sculptures des more...0 points

Deluxe Origami Kit- Australian Animals

Deluxe Origami Kit- Australian Animals

Deluxe Origami Kit- Australian Animals...These Del more...0 points

Favorite Animals in Origami by John Montroll

Favorite Animals in Origami by John Montroll

Step-by-step instructions, with over 300 diagrams, more...0 points

Origami Animals by Hector Rojas

Origami Animals by Hector Rojas

"Young adults with a flair for handicrafts an more...0 points

Economy Origami Paper

Economy Origami Paper

Economy Origami Paper0 points

Soft Pandas For That Special Someone (maybe you!) 

Webkinz Black And White Panda Plush

Webkinz Black And White Panda Plush

Black Bear plush is made of several different fabr more...0 points

Littlest Pet Shop VIP Panda

Littlest Pet Shop VIP Panda

It's panda-monium! Now there's even more ways to a more...0 points

Webkinz Lil Kinz Panda Virtual Plush Pet

Webkinz Lil Kinz Panda Virtual Plush Pet

What's black and white and fuzzy all over? Why, it more...0 points

Kung Fu Panda - Kung Fu Kickin' PO

Kung Fu Panda - Kung Fu Kickin' PO

The ultimate action electronic Po! Sounds and sens more...0 points

Aurora Plush 12

Aurora Plush 12" Mei, Aurora Babies Baby Panda

Mei the Plush Panda Cub is very soft and huggable. more...0 points

Great Panda Collectibles on eBay 

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Panda Cubs from Thailand Zoo 

Photos of panda cubs born in May 2009

These wonderful photos of baby pandas are from the Thailand Zoo...





Panda Bear Cupcakes

Panda Mom with Newborn cub at Thailand Zoo-2009

Giant Pandas In the News 

Read about giant pandas

Marked by quake coincidence, panda film attracts Chinese audiences
A film starring a panda cub opened Friday in Chinese cinemas, drawing audiences partly because of an eerie coincidence: it was being filmed in a panda preserve near the epicenter of the massive quake in Sichuan Province last May 12,when the disaster struck.
Thailand to negotiate with China for longer stay of pandas
Thailand's government has prepared to negotiate with the Chinese government to allow a new-born panda and its parents to stay longer in Thailand, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti said here Tuesday.
Animal Views - washingtonpost.com
Animal Views This week's animal gallery includes Lin Hui, a 7-yr-old giant panda holding her 7-day-old cub in her mouth at the zoo in Chlang Mai, Thailand
Baby, you've got style!
The threeweekold cub at Chiang Mai Zoo has developed a remarkable physical feature that makes it stand out from other members of its species.
Wood harvest puts pandas at risk
People and giant pandas are still coming into conflict. So concludes a report into the firewood collecting habits of people living in one of China's largest panda reserves.
Panda gives birth to twins in China
A Chinese giant panda gave birth to twins in the country's northern province of Shaanxi, state media reported.
Reputable naturalist says we should let pandas die out | MNN - Mother Nature Network
In a controversial interview to Radio Times magazine (via MSNBC), BBC naturalist Chris Packham said that money spent conserving the giant panda could be better spent trying to conserve stronger animals.  
Baby panda yelps at SD Zoo vaccination
Zoo officials said the cub will receive a series of vaccines to protect against distemper and rabies.
Cutting waste with panda poo nets academic Ig Nobel Prize | The Japan Times Online
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Kyodo) A Japanese researcher was among this year's winners of the Ig Nobel Prize on Thursday for developing a method to cut kitchen refuse by using bacteria derived from the feces of giant pandas.
China to loan two pandas to Singapore for 10-year period
China will be loaning two baby pandas to Singapore for a 10-year period, to mark the 20th anniversary of Sino-Singapore relations.
China builds research center to help giant pandas adapt to wild
CHENGDU, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A research center to help captive pandas to adpat to the wild has started construction in southwest China's Sichuan Province.
China's pandas worth more than Tiger Woods: Australian zoo
Two giant pandas due to begin a 10-year stay at an Australian zoo could give the local economy a bigger boost than recent visits by Tiger Woods or Lance Armstrong, officials said Wednesday.

Giant Panda news from Zoos around the world 

San Diego Zoo Exhibit: Panda Cam at the Giant Panda Research Station
The San Diego Zoo has had a love affair with giant pandas ever since two of the black-and-white bears came to visit in 1987. After years of red tape and tons of application paperwork, the Zoo and China agreed on a 12-year research loan of two giant pandas, Bai Yun and Shi Shi.
Atlanta Zoos Pandas Receive $43,000 and Counting in Donations Zoo and Aquarium Visitor News
Does a global network of fans want to keep giant pandas in Atlanta? The answer is a resounding yes, according to an update from Zoo officials regarding the progress of theGive So They Stay campaign.
San Diego Zoo announces giant panda Bai Yun is pregnant (and may give birth to twins)
The San Diego Zoo has announced that its 17-year-old resident female giant panda, Bai Yun, is pregnant.
Baby Panda is Born at the San Diego Zoo
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Zoo's 17-year-old giant panda Bai Yun gave birth to her fifth cub Wednesday.
San Diego Zoo's giant panda cub does a push-up
The San Diego Zoo's giant panda cub was given a clean bill of health in his sixth veterinary exam, performed Thursday. The zoo's senior veterinarian, Dr. Tracy Clippinger, said the cub's eyes and ears are now fully opened, and she...
Panda diplomacy helps repair rift
The latest sign of a thaw in tension between China and Australia was not an agreement reached at the bargaining table or a handshake between politicians but some much cuter diplomacy.
San Diego Zoo panda cub gets name "Son of Cloud"
SAN DIEGO ? Out of 6,300 suggestions, San Diego Zoo managers have chosen a name for a baby panda born this summer. Zoo officials on Tuesday announced that the 3-month-old black-and-white ball of fur will be called Yun Zi (YUHN'-zih), which is Chinese for "Son of Cloud."

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