Wildlife Rhythms

Just Wild: Smiles

"Smile and be happy"

China May 2007: There are only about 1,600 giant panda bears surviving in the wild and the panda is one of the first species to be declared endangered - threatend by habitat loss, poachers and low birthrates. Fortunately, their numbers have been stabilized and even slightly up due to conservation efforts, panda reserves and research centers.

The giant panda is one of the world's most adored and protected rare animal. This gallery features pandas from China's main panda research center and preserve, located in the high western mountains of Wolong China. My visit was before the big earthquake that destroyed this facility.