The Giant Panda

 
Panda's are among everyone's favorite animals and easily their favorite bear. 

 
In spite of their popularity, the Panda is one of the most endangered animals alive today.

Estimates vary between 1000 to 3000 Pandas are surviving in the wild and approximately 150 in zoos across the world. Regardless of which study you reference, what is clear is that they are all sadly very low numbers.  


Where Can You Find Giant Pandas


Giant Pandas are found in the wild primarily in China where, in spite of their efforts to protect them, Giant Pandas have been put at risk by poachers, as well as the ever expanding encroachment on their domain.  However, another major contributing factor, is their own very low reproductive cycle. A female Panda only gives birth every 3 or 4 years. While she usually will have 2 cubs, only one will survive.

An adult Giant Panda will only raise 5 - 8 cubs in her entire lifetime.




Interesting and Fun Facts About the Giant Panda


One great scientific debate over the years has questioned whether the Giant Panda should be classified as a bear or a raccoon.

A mature Giant Panda can be up to 6 feet tall and weigh as much as 250 lbs. 

Even though a Giant Panda has a carnivore digestive system, Bamboo is 99% of their daily diet. 

The Giant Panda has an elongated wrist bone that serves like a thumb to grasp and hold his food. 



The Life of a Giant Panda


The life expectancy of a Giant Panda is 35 years. 

In spite of their adult weight, a newborn cub only weighs 3 - 4 ounces.  A cub's primary source of food is their own mother's milk for the first year.
 



Giant Panda Appearance


The Giant Panda is easily recognizable by adults and children alike due to their gorgeous black and white fur.  Because of their gentle appearance and shy demeanor, we do not fear the Giant Panda like we do other bears.  In fact, we frequently would like to reach out and hug this big, beautiful bear.






Image Credit for Panda Notebook and Panda Notebook   
Panda Binder
Panda Canvas
by Sylvestermouse

Additional Giant Panda Merchandise: Giant Panda Items in the House of Sylvestermouse

All of these Giant Panda photos are the exclusive property of Sylvestermouse and should not be copied without permission. However, they are available through Zazzle if you would like to purchase one.





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