Meet panda brothers Gong Gong and Shun Shun. For nearly seven years, these charismatic giants have called Hainan Province in the south of the Chinese mainland their home at the Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden. Here, zookeepers combine love and expertise to recreate a slice of their native habitat in a lush tropical setting.
Every morning begins with gentle wake-up calls and a stretching routine designed to keep muscles supple. Then comes the main event: a bamboo buffet. These pandas feast on fresh shoots and leaves for up to 12 hours a day, munching their way through dozens of kilograms of bamboo to fuel their playful antics.
When they are not working on their bamboo-eating world record, Gong Gong and Shun Shun dive into enrichment activities. They scale climbing structures, splash in shaded streams and try out puzzle feeders that challenge their problem-solving skills. Each game not only sparks joy but also generates valuable data for conservationists, tracking their health through subtle changes in movement and behavior.
Beyond panda wellbeing, the park's research and breeding programs play a vital role in global conservation. Guests can explore themed zones, learn about habitat restoration and discover how eco-travel practices, like choosing low-emission shuttles, help protect biodiversity on Hainan and beyond.
In a world where climate action and wildlife protection go hand in hand, Gong Gong and Shun Shun are more than charming icons. They are living proof of what passionate care and community collaboration can achieve. Stay tuned for more wildlife stories that inspire curiosity and drive real-world impact.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
