Six fluffy panda cubs born this year at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding are winning hearts ahead of their August public debut. Among them, a uniquely colored male named Cheng Shi has become a conservation sensation due to his rare white-and-grey fur – a temporary feature researchers say will darken into the species’ iconic black-and-white pattern by his first birthday.
Dr. Li Wei, a senior researcher at the base, explained: "Cheng Shi’s coloration comes from an unusual distribution of melanin in his hair follicles. This natural variation gives us valuable insights into panda genetics." The cub’s name, meaning ‘City Ambassador,’ reflects Chengdu’s status as China’s panda conservation capital.
As one of the world’s leading facilities for giant panda breeding and habitat research, the Chengdu base combines scientific innovation with eco-tourism. Over 200 pandas reside at the facility, which has successfully reintroduced 11 captive-born pandas into the wild since 2006.
The cubs’ upcoming debut highlights China’s growing success in wildlife preservation. Giant pandas were downgraded from Endangered to Vulnerable status in 2021, with wild populations now exceeding 1,800 – a 17% increase over the past decade.
