NATIONAL PANDA DAY

On March 16, National Panda Day draws attention to one of the world’s unique bears. Pandas are also one of the world’s most endangered and adored animals. Conservationists and animal lovers alike spread the word about increasing efforts of the international community dedicated to protecting and restoring habitat.
Native to China, giant pandas are members of the Bear (Ursidae) family. Their rapidly shrinking habitat is a major cause for concern.  As an endangered species, successful panda breeding programs are rare. In the wild, there are approximately only 1,864 (according to the World Wide Fund for Nature) and 100 living in zoos around the world.
With their white face and black eyes and body, Panda bears are easily identifiable. However, despite their sweet disposition, they tend to isolate themselves in the wild. They eat mostly plants and do not hibernate in the winter like many other bears.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPandaDay

Share your love for pandas! While you do, invite friends and family to donate to your local zoo or wildlife sanctuary. Support protecting their habitat. Make a visit to your local zoo and learn more about pandas, how they live and grow and their habitats. Watch a documentary about pandas while comparing their similarities and differences to other bears in the wild.
Use #NationalPandaDay on social media.

NATIONAL PANDA DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this wildlife holiday.