There's A Panda Daycare Facility And It's Open To Visitors

Apr 16, 2019 by apost team

We have cat cafes, dog cafes and South Korea even has a raccoon cafe. But have you ever imagined yourself getting to go somewhere and cuddle baby pandas? Now, that's a reality, thanks to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

The non-profit Chengdu Panda Base was founded in 1987 in an effort to help save the then-endangered species. Back then, there were only around 1,200 bears left on the entire planet. The Chengdu Research Base intended to change that.

In September 2016, pandas were removed from the endangered list and are now considered "vulnerable" instead. Their natural habitat is still under threat due to human encroachment and deforestation. Although the efforts of Chengdu have helped preserve the species, their natural habitats must be preserved if they're ever to carry on in the wild.

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Getting pandas to breed isn't easy, and there is much work to be done by the Chinese government if the natural bamboo forests that pandas naturally call home will support them in the future. In the meantime, however, visitors can visit the Chengdu Panda Park and get up-close-and-personal with some of the facility's fuzziest, snuggliest residents.

If you're ever able to visit, you can learn all about pandas from the pros and watch as their beloved handlers tend to their feedings and playtime. You'll also be able to see the adults as they snack on bamboo (they eat around 40 pounds every day), play and snooze.

The Giant Panda Museum at the Chengdu Research Base is filled with tons of information about pandas, including ways you can help protect them. You'll learn about the evolution of the panda as well as ways you can protect them and other endangered species from extinction.

Can't make it to China? That's okay. You can see some of Chengdu's famous pandas in the United States, too. The facility loaned two bears, Yang Yang and Lun Lun, to Zoo Atlanta in 1999. They parented four offspring, including a set of twins.

What do you think about Chengdu Panda Base? Have you ever gotten to see some rare animals up close? Let us know about your experiences in the comments and be sure to pass this article along to your friends and family!