China Enforces Lifetime Bans at Panda Sanctuary for Reckless Tourists

In Chengdu, China, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has issued lifetime bans to 12 tourists. These individuals, aged between 26 and 61, were found misbehaving around the pandas. 

Their offenses included throwing objects like bamboo shoots, lollipop sticks, and cigarettes, as well as spitting into the pandas' play area. These incidents occurred from April to June this year, as stated in a recent WeChat post by the research base.

China Panda Sanctuary Upholds Strict Rules

The Research Base, one of China's most visited tourist attractions, aims to protect and study giant pandas by mimicking their natural habitat. It also focuses on educating visitors about conservation. 

CNN reported that the center has set clear rules for visitors to ensure the safety and well-being of the pandas. According to the rules, disruptive actions like littering, spitting, and throwing objects at animals are strictly forbidden. 

Violations of these rules can lead to several punishments, ranging from temporary bans to lifetime exclusion from the park.

Despite the severe misbehavior by some, the staff at the Research Base have confirmed that all pandas remain healthy and unaffected. The administration has not disclosed the identities or nationalities of the banned individuals, noting that these tourists were not associated with each other.

The Chengdu Research Base has been operational since 1987 in Sichuan province, southwestern China. Its mission is to serve as a top-tier research facility, a center for conservation education, and a destination for educational tourism internationally. 

This dedication to creating a lifelike environment for the pandas even includes scientists dressing in panda costumes scented with panda urine to blend seamlessly into the surroundings.

This enforcement of strict rules highlights the Research Base's commitment to the safety and preservation of giant pandas, stressing the importance of responsible tourism.

Related Article: You Should Definitely Visit Chengdu, China If You Want to Meet the Iconic Pandas

Giant Pandas Return to China This Year

Seven giant pandas, including one named Fubao, have already returned to China this year. Over ten more are expected to return later, as their overseas agreements end and the younger pandas mature. This announcement was made by a China Wildlife Conservation Association official on Thursday.

As per the Global Times, China has worked with 20 countries and 26 institutions worldwide on giant panda conservation, receiving positive feedback from those countries. Wang Weisheng from China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration shared these details during a press conference.

China ensures these pandas receive excellent care and health guarantees while abroad, according to Si Ping, another official. The management of giant pandas overseas includes strict monthly health assessments and annual check-ups, meeting China's stringent guidelines.

Looking ahead, China plans to extend panda conservation efforts with countries like the US, Australia, and Austria. These collaborations have previously led to the successful breeding of 28 giant panda cubs.

Additionally, during a recent visit to Adelaide, Chinese Premier Li Qiang mentioned that two pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, would also return to China from Australia later this year, continuing the cooperative efforts on panda conservation and research.

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