Giant pandas are a national treasure in China and protected by law. Affectionately called “large bear cats” by the Chinese, giant pandas have been portrayed in Chinese art dating back thousands of years. The rest of the world didn’t discover these beloved bears, however, until French missionary Pere Armand DAVID first described them in 1869.

Like other bears, giant pandas are stocky, have a pigeon-toed walk, and are good climbers. But they’re unique in many ways: while they have unusually heavy bones for their size, giant pandas are very flexible. (They like to do somersaults!)

Even though their diet is 99 percent bamboo, they are technically Carnivores. And of course, they have distinctive black-and-white markings that develop shortly after they are born. Giant pandas inhabit a home range of up to 100 square miles. They spend most of their time eating and sleeping, leaving their territory only when they are searching for new supplies or a mate.

Unfortunately, the natural habitat is shrinking due to deforestation and encroaching development. An estimated 1600 remain in their habitat, which another 300 in zoos. The worldwide collaborative effort—including a breeding program, panda reserve, and research initiatives--are in place to help conserve these rare creatures.