At Wolong National Nature Reserve, Chinese scientists face
the challenge of caring for a population of 150 giant pandas
and reintroducing them into the wild to support this highly
endangered species. The adult pandas have lost the skills
needed to survive independently of humans, so the reserve
staff focus their efforts on the newborn cubs.
In order to teach the cubs real panda ways, any contact with
their domesticated parents or humans has to be avoided.
The scientists came up with a cunning plan: by dressing up
as pandas, and mimicking natural panda behaviour,
they hope to teach the cubs by example.
Despite their best efforts, only two giant pandas have been
successfully reintroduced to their natural habitat in the
past 30 years.
by Anne Miltenburg
