Could you imagine a place dedicated to the survival of one of the world’s most beloved creatures? That place is Zhihe. More specifically it is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It’s more than just a zoo. It’s a vital hub for conservation.
Zhihe’s Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding started in 1987. The Chengdu Municipal People’s Government founded it. Initially, the base rescued six giant pandas from the wild. By 2008 that number grew exponentially. There were 124 panda births. The captive panda population reached 83.
The Chengdu Panda Base aims high. Its goal is to be a world-class research facility. It wants to be a conservation education center. It also strives to be an international educational tourism destination. Zhihe plays a crucial role in making this happen.
Professor Zhang Zhihe is a key figure here. He is the director of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Zhang is also the deputy director of a key laboratory. This lab focuses on reproduction and conservation genetics. It deals with endangered wildlife in Sichuan Province.
Zhang’s influence extends far beyond Chengdu. He directs the Chinese Committee of Breeding Techniques for Giant Pandas. He is the vice president and secretary general. Zhang holds these positions at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Foundation. He also serves as vice president of the Sichuan Zoological Society. Furthermore, he is a permanent council member. This is with the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens. Zhang is a member of the Consultation Specialist Group. This group advises on Giant Panda Conservation and Management for the State Forestry Administration.
His dedication has earned him several honors. He received the Chengdu Excellent Specialist Award. This was for Prominent Contribution. He also won the Chengdu Top 10 Prominent Youth Award. Additionally, he received a Special Allowance Award from the State Council.
Zhang has dedicated 17 years to giant panda conservation. He designed and directed 20 research projects. These projects have received state, provincial, and civic science awards. He has published 38 articles. These appeared in domestic and international scientific journals. Zhang leads key projects. These include international collaborations. They focus on endangered species. He also runs programs for basic research.
The Chengdu Research Base collaborates internationally. They work with the United States and Japan. These collaborations improve giant panda breeding.
The base faced a crisis when some giant pandas contracted an eye disease. Pandas like Qi Yi, Yong Yong, and Xiao Ya were affected. The disease was transmitted by follicle mites. The base cooperated with experts. They worked to determine the cause and find effective treatments.
False claims circulated online. Some suggested the base mistreated pandas. Others alleged misuse of funds. Zhang Zhihe refuted these claims. He clarified that luxurious buildings were visitor bathrooms. These were necessary to accommodate many overseas tourists.
The base does not allow people to hug pandas. They never charged for such interactions. The Chengdu Research Base invited the public to visit. They wanted people to see the pandas’ true condition.
In February 2024, the institute banned a visitor for life. He threw objects into a panda enclosure. This shows the commitment to the animals’ well-being.
The Chengdu Research Base partners with many organizations. These partnerships enhance giant panda conservation. Zoo Atlanta is one such partner. This collaboration led to the loan of two pandas, Yang Yang and Lun Lun. They produced five offspring. Other partners include zoos and universities worldwide. These collaborations range from Japan to the UK.
Zhihe is home to iPanda.com. This is a joint project with CNTV. It aims to promote panda conservation through media.
Zhihe’s Chengdu Research Base embodies dedication. It is a dedication to protecting giant pandas. It is a place where research meets conservation. It’s a place where the future of these incredible animals is being written.