Giant Pandas fight for survival

The Giant Panda is one of the most beloved animals in the world. Its characteristic black patches of fur around the eyes, ears and body, as well as its love for bamboo sticks and apparently noble nature, have made it a favorite of zoo-visitors, animal lovers and the general public.

Unfortunately, this species faces an uncertain future as it continues being a target for poachers and its natural habitat continues shrinking. Another threat of great concern is the species' alarmingly low birthrate. Altogether, these factors have led to an increasing concern over its survival.

As of now, the Giant Panda is classified as an endangered species. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an international non-governmental organization that seeks to "stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature", there are only 1,600 pandas living in the wild.

It is estimated that another 180 more live in captivity within China and around 20 others in other countries around the world.

In the National Zoo in Wahington, three of them live happily under the care of zoo staff as they are admired by visitors. Mei-Xiang, the female, Tian Tian, the male, and their first baby, 20-month-old Tai Shan, live in a reserve that mimics thir natural habitat as scientists learn about their behavior.

In this entry's video, you can take a look at how they interact with each together and also, obtain a better understanding of this zoo's efforts to help in the international campaign to save the panda.

By the way, you can help the Pandas too. Visit http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Forms/GPDonation/ for more information.