A. The Way of the Panda

Giant Pandas have walked the earth for over 3 million years.

They have survived changes in the natural environment because of their ability to adapt – their ‘way’ of living harmoniously with nature.

By exploring ‘The Way of the Panda’, you may gain a greater understand of how to live in closer harmony with nature.

Back to top >

B. Mountains of South-West China

Ranging in altitude from 2,000 – 7,558 metres, these mountains support over 12,000 plant species, including more than 60 species of bamboo.

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world. In ideal conditions, it can grow as fast as 121cm a day!

Many animals have adapted to life in a bamboo forest and rely on this habitat for survival.

There are 12 animals hiding in the Bamboo Forest at Adelaide Zoo. These represent some of over 1,100 animals that live in the Mountains of South-West China. More than 90 of these are considered threatened.

'The Way of the Panda' book is a fable that explores our connection with nature.

Back to top >

C. Highland China

Once found in lowland area, Giant Pandas are now restricted to just six mountain ranges in South-West China.

The Giant Panda’s evolution is tied to bamboo. These bears have maintained the digestive tract of a carnivore but have evolved to life as a herbivore.

Scientists believe they adapted to a bamboo diet due to historic food shortages. Although low in nutrition, bamboo is available all year round and there are few food competitors.

Giant Pandas spend these days in bamboo forests because they need to eat for more than 10 hours every day to meet their nutrition needs. They also have a number of other adaptations that help it achieve harmony with its environment.

Back to top >

D. Red Pandas

Giant Pandas acts as ‘ambassadors’ for the lesser known animals who shared their habitat, such as the Red Panda.

Red Pandas are acrobatic animals that live in cool bamboo forests. Two-thirds of their diet consists of bamboo. Like Giant Pandas they have an extended wrist bone that functions like a thumb. However, Red Pandas are more closely related to raccoons than bears

Less than 2,500 adult remain in the wild, largely due to habitat loss and hunting for their fur.

You can help secure a future for all the animals of South-West China by conserving Giant Pandas and their habitat.

Back to top >

E. Conservation

Three major actions are needed to save Giant Pandas from extinction.

1. Protect their habitat
2. Breed in captivity
3. Release captive-bred pandas to the wild

Habitat conservation is considered the most significant action needed to save many animals, including Giant Pandas.

Back to top >

F. People and Pandas

People and pandas have lived in harmony together for thousands of years – until recently.

Human population growth has dramatically altered panda habitat. Today, some Giant Pandas live in isolated belts of bamboo less than 1.2km wide.

Our challenge is to support economic development and protect the biodiversity of this region for the benefit of animals, plants and people.

Back to top >

G. The Way

The future of Giant Pandas is in your hands.

Like Giant Pandas, you can balance your needs with those of the environment. Every effort you make is a step closer to achieving harmony with nature.

By being involved in conservation, you can help save animals from extinction.

Back to top >