The Newest, Cutest Baby Animals from the World's Zoos & Aquariums

Piles of Panda Cubs!

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Founded in 1987, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a Chinese facility that promotes panda research, education and conservation. This facility never removes pandas from the wild. In addition to its education and outreach programs, it serves as a valuable source of unique genetic material, which is invaluable in panda breeding programs around the world. This facility partners with the Smithsonian National Zoo, Atlanta Zoo, and Oakland Zoo among others. These pictures were taken in October and the babies appear to be somewhere between 6-8 weeks old.

CRBGPB Sunshine Nursery5

CRBGPB Sunshine Nursery2

CRBGPB Sunshine Nursery1

Panda cub chengdu - arms up!

CRBGPB Sunshine Nursery8

CRBGPB Sunshine Nursery4
Photo credits: giantpandazoo

13 responses to “Piles of Panda Cubs!”

  1. Helen Avatar
    Helen

    If I didn’t think it would cause an international incident, I would take them all home!

    Reply
  2. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    I am surprised that the intense concentration of so much cute in one place hasn’t caused a temporal disturbance.

    Reply
  3. mharding Avatar
    mharding

    Of course these pix are totally swoon-worthy. I appreciate all the work to keep these species on the planet. BUT, I read recently that there has yet to be be ONE successful introduction to the wild of a panda raised in captivity. I thought this was the ultimate goal of all this captive breeding? I am aware that their habitat has dwindled but there is still some. So what is the purpose of this activity? At the rate the pandas are breeding in captivity, more zoos will have an opportunity to borrow pandas which is a good thing. But if we are just saving the species for zoos and refuges, are they saved?

    Reply
  4. Andrew Bleiman Avatar
    Andrew Bleiman

    Hello mharding,
    You raise a great point. The logic of the approach is two-fold. Firstly, while there has yet to be a successful panda reintroduction to the wild, researchers continue to learn more about panda behavior and will continue to attempt reintroduction efforts. Reintroduction is a complicated process and it may take years to get right.
    Secondly, having a genetically viable captive breeding population means that when and if conservation efforts can reverse or even restore panda habitat, scientists will have the diversity they need to actually take advantage of the opportunity.
    The WWF offers some great ways for concerned folks to get involved – http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/giant_panda/

    Reply
  5. mharding Avatar
    mharding

    Thank you for this helpful and thoughtful answer. Much appreciated.

    Reply
  6. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    Check out the Panda information at the San Diego zoo. They have an entirely different view on raising the babies. They don’t have any adorable “piles of pandas” but they are attempting to replica wild panda interactions.

    Reply
  7. Tee 'n' the Wildlife Avatar
    Tee ‘n’ the Wildlife

    I’m concerned that the tech in the photo is partly masked and partly head-covered but is not gloved. What? They ran out of gloves that day? What exactly is their standard of cleanliness there?

    Reply
  8. Andrew Bleiman Avatar
    Andrew Bleiman

    Hi Jill,
    You are quite correct. The Chinese approach is different and can be a little unsettling by Western standards and perspectives. However, I think the good news here is that they are taking an interest, committing resources, and actually have a pretty remarkable success rate with their breeding programs.

    Reply
  9. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    I’m assuming that she probably scrubbed her hands with disinfectant soap before handling the cub. The rest of the protective gear covers those body parts not so easily disinfected. The Chinese breeding centers have had excellent survival rates with even the tiniest panda cubs and especially in saving both babies when twins are born. Pandas are their national treasure and money in the bank for them. I think their methods have been proven safe and reliable.

    Reply
  10. Bi Sadong Avatar
    Bi Sadong

    She is so damn cute.

    Reply
  11. cathyimus@hotmail.com Avatar
    cathyimus@hotmail.com

    Re : the glove comment
    As the mother of numerous humans
    I didnt wear gloves when I handled them
    Pretty sure mommmy panda doesnt either

    Reply
  12. Me Avatar
    Me

    I love that his arms are up like he’s saying “Hooray! I’m a panda! Hooray!”

    Reply
  13. Liann Avatar
    Liann

    Perfect response! My sentiments exactly. ^_^

    Reply

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