Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center

When we found out we were going to Chengdu for our adoption, I looked it up on the internet.  I found out that they were home to a Panda research center.  We guessed that the adoption agencey would set up a visit to there.  We were correct.  It was one of the few areas we did get to visit in Chengdu.

On the day of the visit, we loaded up in our van for the ride to the center.  On the way there, we got to see areas that had been affected by one of the earthquakes.  I believe it was the 2008 earthquake.  I also saw people selling dogs by the side of the road.  They were medium sized and in crates.  I'd like to think they were selling them as pets, but I doubt it.

At the center, we waited for our guide to take care of the tickets.  We went in and explored.  This park was much nicer than the zoo.  The pandas have wide open areas to roam and just hang out.  They also have areas that they can go during inclemite weather.  The walkways in the park are kept in good condion.  A lot of them are lined by bamboo trees.

The younger pandas have an area that they call the Panda Kindergarten.  When I saw them hanging in a tree, it looked like little stuffed animals.  In addition to the regular Pandas, they also had red pandas, some peacocks, and various other birds.  They do offer people the chance to hold a panda, but it was expensive and the agency did not even ask us if we'd be interested.  I guess if we had asked, they would have set it up.

At the end of the tour, they had a pond that had birds, ducks, turtles, etc.  Kayla kept trying to get there attention.  All in all, it was a fun experience.  They do treat their pandas well here.