NATIONAL PANDA DAY
On March 16, National Panda Day draws attention to one of the world’s unique bears. Pandas are also one of the world’s most endangered and adored animals. Conservationists and animal lovers alike spread the word about the increasing efforts of the international community dedicated to protecting and restoring habitats.
Native to China, giant pandas are members of the Bear (Ursidae) family. Their rapidly shrinking habitat is a major cause for concern. As an endangered species, successful panda breeding programs are rare. In the wild, there are approximately only 1,864 (according to the World Wide Fund for Nature) and 100 living in zoos around the world.
With their white face and black eyes and body, panda bears are easily identifiable. However, their black and white coloring was designed for their natural habitat. They disappear into the snowy mountains and temperate forests of southwest China. And despite their sweet disposition, they tend to isolate themselves in the wild. They eat mostly plants and do not hibernate in the winter like many other bears.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PANDA DAY
- Share your love for pandas! You can do that by learning more about them and supporting panda sanctuaries.
- Promote ways to protect their shrinking habitat.
- Support breeding and research programs.
- Watch a documentary about pandas.
- Director Lu Chuan filmed Born in China. It follows not only a panda family but also golden savvy monkeys and the snow leopard.
- Drew Fellman and David Douglas direct Pandas. Researchers from the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding seek to take the program to a whole new level. Actress Kristen Bell narrates.
- Use #NationalPandaDay on social media.
NATIONAL PANDA DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this wildlife holiday.
Panda FAQ
Q. Do pandas only eat bamboo?
A. No. Panda bears also forage for certain kinds of vegetables and grains. They will also eat eggs and small animals like carnivores do. Perhaps the most surprising thing they eat is carrion.
Q. Do pandas have thumbs?
A. No but they do have an enlarged wrist bone that functions much like a thumb.
Q. Do pandas climb trees?
A. Yes. They also swim.
Q. Do pandas hibernate?
A. Unlike other bears, pandas do not hibernate.
