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Published: March 3rd 2010
Today I did an internship day with the Chengdu panda research and breeding base. I helped with cleaning out the panda enclosures, supplying bamboo (which they don't half go through), feeding them their treats (apple and a special bread full of nutrients for them) and also learnt about the centres breeding programme and how they are managing the gene pool to increase the population. All in all it was an absolutely fantastic experience, I was able to get really up close and personal with the pandas and although they look pretty cuddly from a distance, when you are half a metre from them it becomes clear that those claws could clearly do some real damage. They crunch the hard bamboo stalks like celery, and don't let much get between them and their food. As I was with the pandas all day I was able to see changes int he way they acted. People often say they are lazy (and they can be, very) but during feeding times and for about an hour afterwards they are really good fun, batting each other about and even climbing trees, all jostelling for the top spot. Then when they are finished with all the bamboo
Bamboo hangover
Someone can't handle his bamboo!and have had their snacks they sit down like babies on their backs and suck their thumbs clean!
I took over 200 photos (got a bit carried away!) but here is a small selection...
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gareth James
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Pandas
Brilliant pictures. What a fantastic day to have. Wish I was there!