The Giant Pandas of China cannot compare to other animals in its clumsy movements and overwhelming kindness to humans. Adults and children alike are appreciated for its cute, fuzzy, lovable qualities, but it is an animal that is in desperate need of immediate attention. Scientists know the basics: how and what they eat, where and how they live, and how they reproduce. The fact remains, however, that this loved national symbol of China is facing the threat of extinction. Scientists and doctors alike are trying to figure out why reproducing of the pandas is such an impossible feat to achieve. I decided to check out the panda sanctuary first hand to gain a better understanding of this contradiction of an animal.
After we arrived at the sanctuary, the first thing we did was to prepare ourselves by cleaning our hands thoroughly. Cleaning our hands was important since the pandas are extremely specific in what kinds of food they eat, and a little distaste will discourage them from eating. We proceeded to take the bus up to the actual living place of the pandas. There were three pandas there: Bin Bin, Ya Min, and Jia Mei. One of the pandas, Bin Bin, is an internet celebrity with a following of 40,000.
The cold, snowy day brought down the morale of everyone there, but the cuteness of the pandas directly contradicts it. Being able to be there in person to experience the beauty of the surroundings and the majesty of the pandas was one of the most informational and interesting experiences I have been on. We prepared the grounds for the panda to rest and eat in. The first thing we had to do was clean the grounds of previous leftover bamboo leaves so that it was clean once more. Doing this in the rain and snow was tough and cold, however, we prevailed over the challenges the environment has to offer us. By doing so, we are proving to us and humans that we will persevere through any challenge considering the giant pandas. After the cleaning of grounds, our tour guide brought us to smash some bamboos for the pandas to eat. Smashing the bamboos were fun, as seen through the enjoyment from everyone. Bring in the bamboos in was the next part, and afterward, we were able to see the pandas happily munching on the bamboos we brought into their playground. They all seemed to have a good time. The last part of this experience was the making of the foo foo bread the pandas all seem to enjoy. Since 99% of a panda’s diet comes from bamboo, it does not have enough nutrients in this human-made environment. If the panda was in the wild, it would feed off dead animals to gain some nutrients essential for its growth. This bread creates that supplement.
This experience with the pandas has given me a new view of this national treasure that our country has to offer. Looking back, this experience not only taught me to care for animals, but it has also renewed my love for them that I thought was lost long ago. I have begun to consider ways that I personally can help the pandas themselves. It also taught me life lessons as well, from perseverance to endurance, necessary for our day-to-day life. Pandas are not only a national treasure here in China but a treasure in our hearts. We should do our utmost to ensure that they survive and prosper in the future.
