Giant pandas have long been prominent in the public eye. Their distinctive markings, cuddly appearance, and apparently docile personalities have always made them favorites with people. Further, they are revered by the Chinese and are a unique symbol of the country. Yet, despite this reverence in their homeland and global admiration, giant pandas are critically endangered due to massive habitat loss, a purely human effect that is difficult to control.

The Chinese government after a decades-long ban preventing pandas from leaving China, allowed the San Diego Zoo to receive two giant pandas to expand the body of knowledge about panda behavior and physiology. Along with this long-term panda loan, the San Diego Zoo established a partnership with the Wolong Giant Panda Conservation Center in China to aid giant panda conservation.

The project that the Zoo has undertaken is an exceptional one since it has been one of the first bridges between fieldwork and Zoo work. At the Zoo’s Panda Conservation Center, research zoologists are observing giant pandas and collecting extremely important data, while the giant pandas themselves are educating the public simply by being giant pandas. The Center is clearly much beloved by the public, as evidenced by the long lines that are consistently stretching out the door. Zoo research zoologists are also working in the wild by tracking pandas, observing breeding patterns, and applying the information learned at the Center so as to further panda conservation.

The people who visit the giant pandas learn about the pandas and their vulnerability. Habitat loss is a universal problem that cannot help but resonate with everyone who appreciates plants and animals. By observing giant pandas, people realize that the loss of these great animals would be a terrible, terrible thing indeed. This, in turn, leads to a greater collective wish for unity between animals and humans (we hope). It would be a great thing indeed if humans and animals could live in accordance with one another; if the giant pandas could roam China as they once did; if even the mountain lions of our own native county could walk where they once trod. But, to achieve this, we must recognize that we need to share the land and its resources; this is a lesson that the giant panda teaches Zoo visitors everyday.

Liz, Real World Team

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