Wolong National Nature Reserve

• Is a protected area located in Wenchuan Country, Sichuan Province. Established in 1963, the reserve covers an area of about 200,000 hectares in the Qionglai Mountains region. There are over 4,000 different species recorded in the reserve. Wolong National Nature Reserve houses more than 150 highly endangered giant pandas. The reserve is also a home to many other endangered species including: red pandas, golden monkeys, white-lipped deer and many precious plants. Wolong gets up to 100,000 visitors every year.

• In 1957 the Chinese government decided it was high time to start looking into protecting their revered animal. In 1963 the Chinese government started the first giant panda reserve and since has set aside a total of 10 panda reservations. The Wolong (translated as sleepy dragon) Nature Reserve, or sometimes known as "Wolong Giant Panda Reserve," is probably the most important giant panda reserve. Wolong Nature Reserve is the largest giant panda reserve in the world.

• People from all nations are welcome to adopt pandas through naming them with an accompanying donation. Pandas are national treasures and also goodwill ambassadors.

• Wolong National Natural Reserve is a fairyland for visitors. It enjoys warm and humid climate favorable to bamboo, pandas' favorite food. At the same time, 101 mountains are above 5, 000 meters (16,400 feet) varying from 6, 250 meters (20,500 feet) to 1, 150 meters (3, 772 feet). These contribute to bio-diversity preservation as well as spectacular beauty of natural scene.

PANDAS

•  Native from China

• The panda's diet is 99% bamboo.

• The giant panda is an endangered species, threatened by continued habitat loss and by a very low birthrate.

• Giant pandas reach sexual maturity between the ages of four and eight, and may be reproductive until age 20. The mating season is between March and May, when a female goes into zeal, which lasts for two or three days and only occurs once a year.

•  The gestation period ranges from 95 to 160 days.

• If twins are born, usually only one survives in the wild. The mother will select the stronger of the cubs, and the weaker will die.