According to the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) there are 1,864 pandas alive in the wild according to a survey in 2014. In the past decade, giant panda numbers have risen by 17 percent.
21 countries have 27 Panda zoos. These areas include its homeland China, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Hong Kong, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, Scotland (UK), and United States. These countries have contracts with China to have the panda(s) for a few years. There are over 300 Pandas now in captivity which is part of the plan for maintaining the species.
China
The increase in panda numbers is a testament to the conservation work done by the Chinese government. Lots of amazing work is being carried out around the word helping giant panda conservation.
World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) say they are “pleased to witness this significant conservation achievement — the increase of both the wild giant panda population size and habitat area over last ten years,”. They continue “The survey result demonstrates the effectiveness of nature reserves in boosting wild giant panda numbers.”
Scotland
With regards to Scotland’s loan from China, they have Tian Tian and Yang Huang who are in the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland. These two beautiful pandas return to China in 2021.
Tian Tian and Yang Guang have been put in enclosures designed by animal psychologists, which come complete with dens, private pools, a viewing platform and a room where the pandas will be given health check-ups.” In their Scottish habitats, the pandas have a climbing frame that allows them to see each other over the tops of their spaces. The design of the habitat is so that they resemble their natural, wild habitat. They have caves to sleep in and rocks where they can lay and partake in their favourite pastime; eating bamboo.
All the debate surrounding this endearing animal has resulted in a sudden increase in panda-styled fashion and accessories. Who can blame people for wanting cute panda merchandise? I’m a panda merchandise lover too!
