One of the most recognized animals from China has to be the panda. This cute animal, normally depicted in its white and black form, has been presented as a symbol for peace and friendship. They’ve earned their attraction to many a zoo visitor by their beautiful coats and playful natures.
Actually, there are two main types of pandas. The white and black variety is known as the giant panda. The other variety is much smaller and has red and black coat, known as the red panda. With the ever expanding use of their lands and destruction of their habitat, pandas have become an endangered species with only 1000 or so remaining in the world. It had been difficult to raise pandas in captivity. And though illegal in China (punishable by death until 1997 and now carries a 20-year sentence), pandas where hunted for their coats (especially the red panda) and as pets.
The giant panda has a body closely resembling that of a bear but possesses a retractable “thumb”, an extension of wrist bone that allows it to grab its main food source, bamboo. This mix of characteristics has lead to debates as to if this species is related more to the bear or the raccoon.
Its cousin, the red panda has a much smaller body but with the same false thumb. It possesses a long tail and pointed ears, gaining it another Chinese name which directly translates to “fire fox”. The main part of the animal’s body, especially the torso and limbs, however, very closely resemble that of the giant panda in structure and coloration. Red pandas are normally categories into two types, distinguished by the coloring of their coats.
Regardless of what family these animals are categorized in, they have won many admirers from around the world. For centuries the Chinese have captured the panda in many of their legends and lore. Their peaceful, quiet demeanor embodies many of the characteristics that Chinese honor and respect. Thousands from around the world come yearly to China for the Giant Panda Research Center to get upclose and personal to these beautiful creatures. No doubt as we step into the Olympics that is to be held in China in 2008, we will see many more images of the giant panda helping to promote the games.
Want to know more about pandas? Try these:
Panda cam from the San Diego Zoo: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/ex_panda_station.html
Site of facts on the Giant Panda: http://www.giantpandabear.com
Site of facts on the Red Panda: http://www.redpandaproject.org/
YouTube video on the Red Panda
YouTube video on Giant Panda Cubs
WWF “Adopt” a Panda (and other animals)
Volunteer Tours to the Giant Panda Research Center in China
A few books on pandas (link will take you to Amazon.com):
