|
 |
Sichuan Nature Reserves and Research Centers |
 |
|
| |
| As Sichuan is home to most of the world's Giant Panda population, it should not be surprising that the worlds more famous Giant Panda sanctuaries and research centers are located here as well. Sichuan currently has over 15 reserves, research centers and sanctuaries dedicated to the preservation of China's iconic Giant Panda and other endangered species. Any trip to Sichuan is not complete unless it includes a day to visit these cute bears that are famous throughout the world. |
| |
 |
Wolong National Nature Reserve
The most famous of all the Giant Panda research centers and sanctuaries, Wolong was established in 1963 and is the oldest park dedicated to the protection of the Giant Panda. In 1980 Wolong was designated a UNESCO site and over the years has also received considerable donations from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). |
 |
 |
|
 |
Bifengxia Base
Bifengxia Base sits a mere 8 km from Ya'an city and 150 km from Chengdu. Officially opened in 2003, Bifengxia was created to reintroduce Giant Pandas into the wild and expand conservation efforts. Bifengxia's location was picked for historical reasons. Giant Pandas were first introduced to the western world, when a Frenchman got one and took it back to the West. That place was YaˇŻan. The Giant Panda that the Frenchman took died shortly after it was taken to back to Europe, but not before the Giant Panda sparked the interest of the entire Western world. |
|
|
|
 |
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The Chengdu Research Base is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1987 and is dedicated to wildlife research, captive breeding, and conservation education. Unlike many of the other Giant Panda facilities, the Chengdu Base is located just 6 miles from Chengdu's city center. Currently the Chengdu Base covers about 260 acres, but is currently under expansion and will eventually cover about 495 acres. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
