China has unveiled a major expansion of its giant panda conservation efforts with the launch of a new state-of-the-art facility in Sichuan Province. The Mianyang base, spanning 120 hectares, marks the fifth site under the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) and will focus on breeding programs, scientific research, and international collaboration to protect the iconic species.
Thirteen pandas were relocated to the base this week as part of trial operations, with plans to welcome visitors in 2024 once the animals acclimate. Huang Zhi, head of the base's preparatory team, reported the pandas are adjusting well despite initial nervousness, supported by round-the-clock monitoring from expert caretakers.
Mianyang hosts 22.4% of China's wild giant panda population – 418 individuals according to the latest national survey – making it a strategic location for conservation. The CCRCGP's success in captive breeding is notable: from just six pandas in 1983, the program now sustains over 380 animals, addressing historical challenges in reproduction and cub survival.
The project aligns with China's broader biodiversity goals, offering opportunities for global researchers and fostering eco-tourism. As the base prepares for its official opening, it reinforces China's role in wildlife preservation while creating new avenues for cross-border scientific exchange.
