Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

€2 a Month €5 a Month One-off amount
Black and White

These pictures of pandas will improve your day

A big promise. Delivered.
12.30pm, 23 Jul 2016
23.4k
19

PANDAS ARE GREAT.

They’re one of the world’s favourite animals as well as a cultural icon, an economic mainstay and a source of national pride in China – the only country in which these Asian bears still survive.

National Geographic magazine’s latest issue features a photo essay captured by photographer Ami Vitale on the bears.

The images show the incredible progression of pandas bred in captivity: from infancy to release into the wild.

This slideshow will make you feel good:

These pictures of pandas will improve your day
1 / 7

  • Pandas

    Ye Ye, a 16-year-old giant panda, lounges in a wild enclosure at a conservation center in Wolong Nature Reserve.Source: Ami Vitale

  • Pandas

    Panda keepers Ma Li and Liu Xiaoqiang listen for radio signals from a collared panda training to be released to the wild.Source: Ami Vitale

  • Pandas

    Zhang Hemin—“Papa Panda” to his staff—poses with cubs born in 2015 at Bifengxia Panda Base. Source: Ami Vitale

  • Panda

    Bears mate under keepers’ watch— a far cry from the privacy they have in the wild.Source: Ami Vitale

  • Panda

    Blind, nearly hairless, squeaky, and 1/900 the size of its mother, a newborn panda is as needy as it gets. But it won’t be for long: The panda is among the fastest growing mammals, increasing from around four ounces to four pounds in its first month. Source: Ami Vitale

  • Panda

    Three-month-old cubs nap in the panda nursery at Bifengxia. A panda mother that bears twins usually fails to give them equal attention. Keepers reduce the load by regularly swapping cubs in and out—making sure each gets both human and panda-mom care.Source: Ami Vitale

  • Panda

    Triple the cuteness—and the work. One mom cares for all these cubs, only one of which she bore.Source: Ami Vitale

You’re welcome.

Read: Parents in zoo killing case say their son is “doing well” and they “praise God” for his safety

Read: The Rich Dogs of London lead better lives than most humans

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal

Author
View 19 comments
Send Tip or Correction
Close
19 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds
    The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie