One week into the trip and we headed to Chengdu via train. I was really excited to see some living in a more natural environment than a zoo. Many things here reminded me of Japan, like panda buses and characters and this super cute police station right outside the entrance. The panda center was founded in 1987 with 6 pandas rescued from the wild. They specialize is rehabilitation, captive breeding, and preservation of endangered species.
The center we visited was called the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It is nearly 250 acres of wildlife...mostly pandas, including my favorite the red panda. Many famous panda were conceived and born here. It was interesting that two were sent to Brookfield Zoo in Chicago! Here I am at the entrance.
So many things get lost in translation, but this one was just funny.
Our train arrived so early that we came straight to the center and were the first ones there. We had to wait for the staff to let them out of their enclosures for the day. Here they come around the bend!
This one was posing for the cameras!
They were shy at first, but then just wanted to devour some eucalyptus.
They were super cute!
The shots of them eating are my favorite.
But...nothing compares to the red panda. These are my absolute favorite. Look how cute it is!!! Cute little face, funky markings, and fluffy tail...what's not to love?!
Here's a closeup. It was a bit harder to get photos of these guys as they were bobbing and weaving pretty quickly.
Back around to the other side and we got to see these young-ins playing around. It was a great morning...especially since we didn't have to fight with the crowds. Once they showed up, we were really glad to get out of there. Our only disappointment was that we didn't get to see babies any smaller than this. All in all, I'm glad we got to spend some time there!
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