Giant Panda

Babies are only about the size of a stick of butter at birth!

The giant panda is native to China.

Giant pandas are indeed members of the bear family, similar to other bears in their general looks and the way they walk and climb. Bamboo is the most important plant in a giant panda's life. They spend at least 12 hours each day eating bamboo. Pandas grasp bamboo stalks with their five fingers and a special wristbone. They use their teeth to peel off the tough outer layers of the stalk to reveal the soft inner tissue. They also eat the leaves.

Pandas are an endangered species. Population estimates vary but there may be around 2000 left living in the wild.Giant panda have a lifespan of around 20 years in the wild.Female pandas raise cubs on their own (the male leaves after mating).The diet of a panda is made up almost entirely of bamboo.Giant pandas eat as much as 10 kg (22 lb) of bamboo a day.Giant pandas are good climbers.The scientific name for the giant panda is ‘ailuropoda melanoleuca’.An animated movie from 2008 named ‘Kung Fu Panda’ features a giant panda called ‘Po’.

It has a black and white coat that features large black patches around its eyes.

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Giant Panda

Lives in bamboo forests

Live in bamboo forests

More information: http://kids.sandiegozoo.org/animals/mammals/giant-panda

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/giant-panda.html

Watch Panda Cam! http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm

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