China’s giant panda conservation has entered a bold new chapter with the launch of a 120-hectare base in Mianyang, Sichuan Province, a city in the southwest of the Chinese mainland. As the fifth site under the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), this facility marks a significant expansion of a program that has grown captive populations from just six pandas in 1983 to over 380 today.
On Tuesday, 13 pandas embarked on their journey to the new home, beginning trial operations ahead of a planned public opening next year. To monitor their adaptation, the preparatory team, led by operations manager Huang Zhi, has been on constant watch. According to Huang, 'the pandas are a little tense in their new surroundings, but overall they’re doing well.'
The selection of Mianyang was driven by conservation data: a recent national survey recorded 418 wild giant pandas in the area—about 22.4 percent of the country’s total and the highest concentration among prefecture-level cities. Researchers hope that proximity to wild populations will boost breeding success and deepen scientific insights.
Beyond breeding, the new base will serve as a hub for international collaboration, research on panda behavior and habitat restoration, and eco-friendly tourism. For young global citizens and digital nomads eager to witness conservation in action, this site promises immersive experiences that blend education with sustainability.
As pandas settle into their new home, China’s broader push for ecosystem protection underscores a global movement towards preserving biodiversity. With innovative breeding strategies and data-driven research, the CCRCGP continues to redefine what’s possible in wildlife conservation.
Reference(s):
China opens new giant panda base, expanding conservation network
cgtn.com
