When is National Panda Day?
Thursday March 16thNational Panda Day, March 16, draws attention to one of the world's rare bears... Pandas are also one of the world's most endangered and adored animals. Both conservationists and animal enthusiasts alike are spreading the word about the international community's growing commitment to protecting and restoring habitats.
Pandas are a member of the Bear (Ursidae) family, native to China. The rapid disappearance of habitat is a major reason for concern. As an endangered species, successful panda breeding programs are extremely unusual. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, there are only 1,864 people in the wild, with 100 in zoos around the world.
Panda bears are easily identifiable due to their white face and black eyes and body. However, their black and white shades were created for their natural habitat. They vanish into southwest China's snowy mountains and temperate forests. And despite their sweet disposition, they tend to isolate themselves in the woods. They eat mostly plants and do not hibernate in the winter like many other bears.
