The Giant Panda, also known as the bamboo-eating bear, was first discovered in China in 1913. However, the existence of this fascinating creature became known to the world in 1869 when a missionary named Armand David found numerous skins of this bear at the home of a wealthy Chinese individual.
Since that time, the world has been captivated by pandas, likely due to their habitat in the remote and rugged region of Sichuan in western China. The giant panda attracts people with its unusual coat color and its appearance resembling a plush toy bear.
We know very little about the wild life of this species, as most of our research has been conducted on captive pandas. As one of the rarest animals in the world, the giant panda has been chosen as the symbol of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an organization dedicated to funding research on endangered species. This is why we often see images of the panda with its distinctive black and white fur in newspapers and conservation campaigns.
Ambassadors of Friendship
To educate everyone around the world about this rare animal and promote friendship, pandas are warmly welcomed wherever they go. In fact, some countries have rolled out the red carpet at airports to greet these ambassadors of goodwill, complete with police escorts to their new homes. Moreover, in zoos, the panda exhibits consistently attract numerous visitors. In China, the giant panda is regarded as a national treasure and is considered a part of the country’s historical heritage, a precious gift from nature to its people.
