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Organizations for Helping the Giant Panda

Habitat loss, low reproductive rates, bamboo shortages, poaching and accidental hunting deaths have made the giant panda an endangered species with fewer than 3,000 mature pandas worldwide, as of 2010. Giant pandas are black and white bears native to the mountains of China. The Chinese government created more than 50 panda reserves as of 2005, but the pandas continue to struggle. Organizations around the world work to have a stronger positive impact on the panda population.

World Wildlife Fund
- Known for its iconic panda logo, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has been actively helping the giant pandas since 1980. Current work in China focuses on increasing reserves, creating green corridors between isolated habitats, patrolling for poachers and loggers and continuing research. WWF works with local villages to increase education and decrease their impact on panda habitats. WWF works closely with the Chinese government to ensure everyone has the same goals.
Pandas International
- Started in 1999, Pandas International is a non-profit organization that focuses on public awareness, education and international research efforts. Working with government officials, veterinarians and Panda Center staff members, Pandas International aids the panda reserves and works to preserve and improve the wild habitats. Pandas International also has the Pennies 4 Pandas program, in which children gather pennies for the cause. The children gain awareness into their ability to have a global impact and learn about the plight of the giant panda. The pennies help negate the effects of a 2008 earthquake.
Conservation International
- Conservation International (CI) believes that communities and countries must have the desire and means to protect their own environment through sustainable development. For the giant panda, efforts are focused on creating safe conservation corridors between isolated habitats and teaching locals to guard and monitor the panda population. CI distributes scientific data to policy makers and influential scholars in the hope of adjusting Chinese policies. They have also created The Panda Alliance, a network of government agencies, private businesses, conservation organizations and academics that works to spread awareness and work together to make more progress.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums has created the Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program. This network of accredited zoos works to facilitate a breeding program so that the genetic diversity is not lost. The zoos use demonstrations, pamphlets and announcers to increase the general public's education and awareness of the giant pandas and the conservation issues they face. Zoo employees may also be asked to serve as an expert in the field for policy and goal initiates. Supporting the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is simply a matter of frequenting participating zoos.

Animals & Science