A healthy dozen-strong litter of pandas, China's rare and iconic bear, have arrived safely in Chengdu's panda research centre
The 12 new panda cubs Image: ChinaDaily |
The good news was announced by Chengdu's Giant Panda Breeding Research Base as it welcomed into the world 12 newborn panda cubs from eight proud mothers, raising the total number of the bears at the base to a healthy 108. Two of the newborn animals have already been adopted by a local hotel, who are paying 100,000 yuan ($15,600) for one year.
The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base was set up 24 years ago with a small population of only six wild pandas and, with advanced breeding technology and a supply of frozen panda sperm, they have been able to increase that number to 108.
In the next three to five years, the base hopes to comprehensively improve the laboratories and ensure sustainable development for giant pandas both in the wild and in captivity.
The wonderfully cute panda cubs have already sparked a flurry of interest on China's various micro-blogs, captivating the nation with their fawning antics. As well as being China's national animal, these rare and charismatic bears - which live on an exclusive diet of bamboo shoots - are also valuable cultural assets that can be loaned to other countries for as much as one million dollars a year.