How Pandas Stay Active?

Two Pandas Lying under the Tree by iPandaiPanda

What’s your impression of giant pandas? You may feel they only spend the whole day sleeping and eating.

Breeder Feeding Baby Panda Milk by iPandaiPanda

The establishment of this schedule is actually a smart survival strategy. It helps conserving energy and adapting to their low-energy diet. 

Roaring Panda by iPandaiPanda

On the other hand, despite their plump figures and comfortable lifestyle, their bodies are actually very flexible and they’ve mastered some extraordinary skill in sports.

Panda Performing Gymnastics by iPandaiPanda

See, here is a giant panda who couldn’t help showing off its stunt. They are adept tree climbers and love to play.  

Panda Hanging on the Tree Branch by iPandaiPanda

The reason why giant pandas are so flexible with such a big body is that they have a relatively small amount of subcutaneous fat. Giant pandas are actually muscular, and their forelimbs used to climb trees have the strongest muscles. They deserve the honor of “Kung Fu Panda”.

Panda Hanging on the Hammock by iPandaiPanda

The experts of animal management at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding provide a variety of environmental enrichment facilities for the captive giant pandas. They may improve their quality of life, allow them to display more natural behaviors, and help them increase their amount of physical exercise. 

Two Pandas Performing Kung Fu in the Tree by iPandaiPanda

Trees flourish at the Chengdu Panda Base, and the giant pandas' climbing skills have been put to good use here. Does this scene remind you of the spectacle that the two lead roles in the movie ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Drago’ fight atop the trees? 

Fun 'Panda Fishing' Activity by iPandaiPanda

‘Fishing’ is included in the workout plans for the giant pandas living at the Chengdu Panda Base, which prompts them to stand up straight to fetch the snacks. In fact, this is a type of food enrichment, and giant pandas not only derive great pleasure from the activity, but also build up strong hind limbs for natural mating.

Two Pandas Playing the Slide by iPandaiPanda

Slides can provide hours of outdoor fun for giant pandas living at the Chengdu Panda Base. These adventurers’ gross motor skills enhance as they crawl, climb, slide and explore. By the way, it benefits the clingy young pandas to get more opportunities to interact with their breeders.

Pandas Playing the Rubber Ball by iPandaiPanda

Balls are also a good tool for giant pandas living at the Chengdu Panda Base to work out and have fun. Their limbs can get much exercise playing with a ball. Besides, giant pandas take the initiative to explore their living environment while chasing the rolling balls around.

Panda Riding a Little Rocking Horse by iPandaiPanda

Rocking horses appeal to the young giant pandas living at the Chengdu Panda Base and they help them develop motor skills as well. 
Now you are aware that addition to foraging and resting, giant pandas also show other behaviors, including locomotive behaviors and social behaviors.  

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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