Man, I had too much Bamboo - Chengdu Panda Research Base

This adult panda looks as if he (she?) ate too much and is regretting it. Maybe not.

I'm not sure what to think about the Chengdu Research Ba...
Read more

This adult panda looks as if he (she?) ate too much and is regretting it. Maybe not.

I'm not sure what to think about the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. On the plus side, they have been successful in breeding pandas, and claim a better success rate than exists in the wild, as well as greater longevity for the pandas. They also protect several dozen pandas of this threatened species, and have made millions of people aware of the danger to pandas, especially given their limited habitat. On the other hand, the pandas are being kept in captivity, and the Research Base makes a lot of their money by selling admission tickets to see them. While the pandas are not trained and do not perform for the public, they must adjust to large crowds, noise, and many distractions, which may be stressful to them. The staff keeps a very low public profile, but *someone* cuts and puts out the bamboo.
Read less