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Earthquake
relief efforts and giant panda conservation
The earthquake
of 12 May took place in the Minshang mountains, which is wild panda habitat. The
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is working to address the
immediate and long-term needs of animals and people living in the affected
nature reserves. Thankfully, the animals and staff of the Chengdu Panda Base are
safe. But the secondary effects are significant, and will challenge the
operation of the Panda Base for some time in the future. We would be immensely
grateful for whatever assistance the supporters of giant panda conservation
efforts are able to offer.
Your
support will benefit the following efforts:
1.
Rescue and treatment of injured wild pandas. The administrative authorities for
Sichuan Province have appointed the Chengdu Panda Base as the organization to
handle all wild panda rescues and necessary veterinary care for pandas injured
in the earthquake.
2.
Care of captive giant pandas of the Chengdu Panda Base and of the Wolong Panda
Center. The Wolong Center has suffered extensive damage to its infrastructure.
While this is under repair, Chengdu Panda Base is assisting in the housing and
care of Wolong's pandas. Bamboo and other necessary supplies for the animals
have become significantly more expensive due to compromised transportation and
personnel in the earthquake area. Due to the sharp drop in tourism to the area,
the Chengdu Panda Base is also now working under unanticipated budgetary
constraints. Nonetheless, our principle commitment is to the care and safety of
giant pandas, and all resources will be prioritized for their needs.
3.
Rebuilding capacity in the giant panda nature reserves. The infrastructure for
giant panda conservation in many of the giant panda reserves has been destroyed.
The Chengdu Panda Base enjoys close partnerships with several panda nature
reserves in the area, with which we work on research and conservation education
projects. Especially the Longxi Hongkou, Bei Shui He, Anzi He and Hei Shui He
nature reserves have suffered severe damage. We are assisting government efforts
in addressing the immediate needs of the reserve staff and the local people in
these areas. Very importantly, we are also committed to the long-term goal of
rebuilding capacity of these nature reserves.
4. Assisting local human communities in stewardship of the giant panda nature
reserves. Human communities living in and near the nature reserves have suffered
severe losses in terms of human life and livelihoods. The security and viability
of these local people are critical to the health of the giant panda nature
reserves. The Chengdu Panda Base is contributing to the relief effort in these
areas now in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. As the long-term needs
of the communities are significant, the Chengdu Panda Base will work with the
local people to assist their return to independence and stewardship of the
natural areas.
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