The giant panda is high on the endangered species list; only a few thousand of these unique animals remain, all in Gansu, Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces. The Chinese government is making great efforts to increase their numbers. The Chengdu Panda Breeding Center constitutes one such effort. The 92 acre center is dedicated to providing pandas, and many other endangered species, with natural surroundings so that they can multiply. Plans are in place to add over 500 acres to the enclosure. The hope is that the center will achieve not only successful breeding plan, but that the enclosure will be large enough to simulate the wild so that the pandas can one day be released back into their natural home. The area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage site list in 2006.

Though research is the most important part of what the center does it’s also a tourist attraction. In deference to that fact, a museum was opened there in 1993. Researchers want not only to raise the numbers of pandas in China to a sustainable level, but also to educate people about these creatures and their plight. The museum is divided into three main sections – the panda hall, the butter fly hall and the vertebrate hall. There are pictures, written material, models, samples and many other displays about various birds, reptiles, butterflies, and insects and of course the giant panda. Exhibits also detail the efforts of the center and other conservation projects.

The panda enclosure has been kept as natural as possible. Caves, water ponds and even sleeping rooms have been created within the bamboo forest to make the pandas to feel comfortable and at home. Each panda’s quarters has a separate medical area as well, so the animals can be carefully monitored and kept as healthy as possible.

The black neck crane, white stork, large panda, small panda and many more animals are also looked after and bred at the center. The Chengdu Panda Breeding Center is an absolute must for animal lovers, and for nature lovers as well.

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