THE WORLD'S LARGEST PANDA CONSERVATION CENTRE

CHENGDU, NOVEMBER 13 /SRNA/ - The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China, established in 1987 with just six giant pandas rescued from the wild, has grown into one of the world's leading centres for the conservation of the species, now housing more than 270 pandas and running extensive breeding, scientific research and conservation programs.

The base covers about 238 hectares and serves as a key centre for researching, breeding, and conserving giant pandas, red pandas, and other rare animal species native to China. Over nearly four decades, specialists have developed numerous methods to improve reproduction, raise cubs, prevent and treat diseases, and preserve the panda population's genetic diversity. Particular attention has been paid to reproduction and cub survival, which posed one of the greatest challenges to the conservation of the species in the early years. Scientists developed methods for hand-rearing cubs, monitoring their health and caring for young pandas, significantly improving breeding success under controlled conditions. In addition to scientific research, the base plays an important role in educating the public about nature conservation and endangered animal species. It also houses an interactive themed museum dedicated to giant pandas, which opened in 2021, where more than 3,600 educational activities have been organised over the past decade. The base has established cooperation with 46 animal conservation research institutions from 17 countries and regions, becoming an important international platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience in panda conservation. A special part of the program focuses on preparing pandas for life in their natural environment. At the Dujiangyan field research centre, known as "Panda Valley", programs are carried out to help pandas adapt to their natural habitat, undergo training, and prepare for possible reintroduction into the wild. In addition to its scientific and research significance, the base is one of Chengdu's most popular tourist attractions, where visitors can see giant pandas and red pandas up close and learn about China's efforts to preserve biodiversity. Journalists who travelled to China as part of the program organised by the China International Press Communication Centre /CIPCC/, including a journalist from the Media System of Republika Srpska, also visited the giant panda breeding research base.