Panda bears remain an endangered species as there are only 900 left in the world, most of them residing in north-western China. We can see them in their pseudo-natural habitat of 230 hectares. Being active mainly at night, their daytime predominant pastime is sleeping but they come out to feed twice a day on bamboo leaves or bamboo shoots, a hearty appetite of 15-25 kg/day. Chengdu's Giant Panda Breeding Research Center's challenge is study the evolution and reproduction of the species as female are in estrus only 2-5 days a year, thus few babies are born. At adulthood, their height varies from 160-190 cm. The female weighs 70-100 kg while the males is usually 15-25 kg heavier. They may seem friendly and cuddly but it's a furry illusion; they also prefer a solitary existence. They're definitely not a house pet.
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Bayleaf (1484) 2003-01-08 8:34
Nice cuddly giant. An interesting note too.
The background is a little bright, but not distracting. The detail in the fur and features of the panda are captured very well. Nice shot!
joesull (128) 2003-07-20 13:24
I love pandas,too. Great shot-excellent detail. Agree background a little bright.
I just posted a picture of one of our newest arrivals to the Memphis Zoo. He and his lady friend will be with us for the next ten years.
Pat69 (112) 2008-05-07 2:07
Nice picture. You have taken the right moment.
- Copyright: Albert Legault (Trebla) (26)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2001-01-29
- Categories: Nature
- Camera: Nikon D70, 24-85mm/f2.8-4, Fuji Superia 100
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Theme(s): Bears - cute and ferocious, Endangered, Great panda, Panda Bears [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2003-01-06 10:31