Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Zoo Atlanta and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding have partnered on the preservation, care, and study of giant pandas since the 1990s, even before the initiation of the Zoo’s original giant panda agreement with China in 1999. This long, productive, and mutually beneficial partnership has seen achievements in conservation and breeding of the species, scientific studies which enhance the world’s knowledge of giant pandas, public education, and more.
The Research Base is also now the home of the original Atlanta panda pair, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, and all seven of their offspring.
Why do they need you?
After reaching a historic low in the 1980s, giant panda populations have slowly increased, thanks to conservation programs that have been in place for decades. Once classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), giant pandas were reclassified to Vulnerable in 2016. While this is heartening news that shows us that conservation programs do work, this work must be allowed to continue if the wild panda population is to be viable for future generations.
While China’s more than 60 nature reserves provide protection for around 72% of the wild panda population inhabiting these reserves, deforestation remains the primary threat to the species.
Forests cleared for roads, farming, or other development become fragmented, isolating and preventing panda populations from breeding, accessing bamboo resources, and finding suitable denning areas.
How is Zoo Atlanta helping?
To date, Zoo Atlanta has contributed more than $17 million toward the conservation of giant pandas in China, with the majority of these funds benefiting wild giant pandas on nature reserves.
Support from Zoo Atlanta has benefited habitat restoration, nature reserve management, ranger support, and genetic diversity studies.
How can you help protect pandas?
- General admission, Memberships, and donations all support the exceptional care of giant pandas and make conservation programs possible, so if you’ve visited Zoo Atlanta today, you’ve already helped!
- Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo on products made from or packaged in wood, paper, or bamboo. This logo ensures that these products came from a forest that is managed in a way that protects wildlife, supports local communities, and keeps forests healthy.
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