China´s pandas recover after May earthquake

Source: CCTV.com | 10-18-2008 09:49

The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda has announced updated information on the situation of pandas in Sichuan.

The China Conservation and Research Center for the  Giant Panda has announced updated information on the  situation of pandas in Sichuan.

The pandas are reported in good condition, despite massive damage to their habitat during the Wenchuan earthquake in May.

Found only in China, the giant panda is threatened by extinction. The May 12th earthquake in Sichuan has only exacerbated challenges facing the already fragile population.

One of the most important panda centers, the Wolong Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, is situated in the mountains near the quake's epicenter. The facility was badly damaged... one panda was killed, one went missing, and one got sick and died after the quake.

Before the earthquake, there were 63 pandas kept at Wolong. After the quake hit, 53 of them were transferred to centers or breeding bases in other areas. The rest were kept in safe places at Wolong.

So far, all of the pandas are healthy and in good condition.