Pandas are some of the world’s most beloved animals and probably the most recognizable. Native to Eastern Asia, these beautiful creatures are nearly extinct due to poaching, low procreation rates and loss of habitat. Despite their looks, pandas are not typical bears and prefer a vegetarian diet, and there are many other things that most of us don’t know about these cute creatures. Below are 15 interesting panda facts:
1. There are currently 240 pandas in captivity around the world and they are all part of a breeding program
2. Any panda you see in a zoo is on loan from China
3. Scientists estimate that pandas have been on this Earth for around 2-3 million years
4. There are only 2,000 pandas left in the wild
5. A panda female is fertile only 3 days a year
6. Researchers have cataloged 11 different panda calls, 4 of which are used to find a mate
7. Until 1896, no one in the West had even heard of pandas
8. A panda’s fur can be worth upwards of $100,000 on the black market
9. Whenever a panda is born internationally, it is sent to China via FedEx
10. To reduce stress when studying them, researchers dress up as pandas
11. Even though it’s not necessary for their health, bamboo consists of 99% of all pandas’ diet
12. A panda can defecate up to 40 times a day
13. Young pandas have been known to eat their mother’s feces
14. One panda requires about 4 square miles of space in order to survive comfortably
15. The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) chose the panda as its symbol, not because of their cuteness but rather because it reduced the cost of print
H/T: viralnova.com
14 Fun Facts That Show You How Interesting the World is
The world is full of inventive people, and these fun facts show that as time goes by people keep thinking up ingenious ways of coping with the world.
DId You Know THIS About Jewelry?
Gold, diamonds, gemstones, pearls and other precious metals and stones - though money has changed a lot over the years, these materials and their worth have little changed.
Enrich Your Knowledge with These 18 Fascinating Facts!
Whether you love trivia, history, or just want to keep feeding your brain, these 18 facts will do for you.
25 Pictures That Will Make You Take a Second Look
These quick photographers have managed to get some pretty nifty shots of some truly amazing and bizarre things in this world.
These Things Will All Happen in the Next 24 Hours
The world is incredibly busy, and doesn't stop moving for anyone. Millions of things happen every second but these 19 things will happen over the next 24 hours.
2014's Most Sublime Photos Will Leave You in Awe (Part 2)
The second part of our Most Awe-Inspiring Photos of 2014, focused on humanity and its impact on nature, as well as nature’s impact on mankind
Learn How Wolves Evolved Into Domestic Dogs
Ever wondered how wolves ended up evolving into the dogs that we all know and love? Find out how it happened in this article.
Starlings Are Master Sound Imitators - Fascinating!
Did you know that the European starling is capable of mimicking practically any sound it hears with uncanny precision? That includes human voices.
These Siberian Cats Are Truly Stunning!
Alla Lebedeva has turned her homestead into a "Catland" and she has now gone viral thanks to some incredible photographs of her glorious Siberian cats.
The Worst Earthquakes in History - a Nightmare Turned Real
On this list, we feature 9 of the most devastating and deadly earthquakes in history - in rising order according to the Richter scale.
Meet the Most Powerful Bird in the World, the Harpy Eagle
Soaring high above is a bird like no other, whose powerful claws and enormous wingspan are as awe-inspiring as they are intimidating...
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Flower to See Its Full Beauty
These interactive photos of flowers will allow you to see them in video with a click.
30 Reasons Owls are Beautiful...
Owls have beautiful eyes, they are great hunters and are highly intelligent. Here are 30 owls photos that prove they are stunning and elegant creatures.
Ever Wondered How Sperm Whales Sleep? Wonder No More!
Have you ever wondered how sperm whales sleep before? Wonder no more, because the phenomenon has finally been captured on camera. Take a look.
Equestrian Grace: 15 Majestic Horses in Icelandic Scenery
These photographs of beautiful horses in Iceland by Petra Marita look like beautiful paintings.
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
These 20 Cute Bonsai Are a Cut Above the Average Tree
Trust the Japanese to have the most beautiful miniature trees in the world. These 20 bonsai's are so fabulous!
The Sheer Beauty of Nature Is Captured in Words & Images
Enjoy these spectacular photos alongside some words of wisdom.
Have You Seen a Predator as Tiny and Adorable as This?
The Fennec Fox is the world’s smallest fox. Want to know more about this cute animal? Watch this video.
These Serpents are Stunning, but Have a Deadly Bite...
In all the fear, there is always beauty, especially for these 20 species of venomous snakes, that add both venom and color to the world.
Witness the Stunning Majesty of the Birds of India
If you're a bird lover, then few places on this planet are more ideal for you than India. Find out why here.
These Rapid Blooming Flowers Will Brighten Your Day
This video of flowers blooming will brighten your day. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a few minutes of beauty and relaxation.
Your Ultimate Guide to All Breeds of Cat!
From Balinese to a Scottish Fold - there are many breeds of cats, and you'll find them all here!
4 Simple Steps to Befriending Your Local Crow
Discover the secrets of befriending a wild crow with just four simple steps in this captivating video.
I Bet You've Never Seen Animals Like These Before!
From a pink dolphin to a brown panda, you have probably never seen these weird and rare variations of animals.
This is One of the Most Fascinating Natural Phenomenon
Get ready to meet a whole lot of grunion fish, who are most famous for their spectacular land mating ritual.
This Man Saved the Tiniest Bird You've Ever Seen
This video is heart melting. Such a good guy this man is, saving the tiniest birds you've ever seen. See the tiny eggs transform into tiny creatures of fluff and feather.
The Glass Butterfly: One of Nature's Most Beautiful Creatures
The 'Great Oto' butterfly is nicknamed the 'glass butterfly' and it's easy to see why. It may just be the most beautiful butterfly of all.
These Photos Prove How Colorful and Beautiful Our World Is
Our planet is so beautiful and full of color, and these photo go a long way to proving just that.
These Natural Phenomena Will Leave You Completely Aghast
Some of the natural phenomena in this world are completely unique and really need to be seen to be believed. Here are 25 phenomena
This Incredible Bird Can Make Any Sound it Likes!
This classic Attenborough scene is of the most amazing bird in the world. Just listen to the sound(s) it makes! Cover image by Vern / flickr
The Internet's Burning Questions About Biology, Answered
Watch biologist Thor Hanson answer some fascinating questions about biology in this video.
Humans and Wild Animals CAN Be Friends...
This beautiful video makes my faith in humanity just a little stronger, as these humans have managed to befriend some of the wildest animals out there by being gentle.
15 Wildlife Photos SO Bad They Are Actually Funny
Here is a look at a collection of hilarious pictures of wild animals that are so bad they will actually make you laugh.
Australia Has Some of the Cutest Wildlife in the World!
Australia has many deadly animals, but did you know it's also filled with fluffy, adorable wildlife? Warning: You may want to fly to Australia and hug some animals after this post.
Beware of These 15 Animals, They’re the DEADLIEST on Earth
Of all the animals you can meet on our blue planet, these 15 are among the most dangerous and potentially deadly ones...
How Do Wild Animals Survive Winter Without Shelter?
Learn all the genius biological mechanisms animals use to survive winter in the wild - without central heating or warm socks.
Beautiful & Weird Creatures of the Sea - Collection
In this collection, you'll find some of the most strange, beautiful and remarkable creatures under the waves.
Admire the Never Ending Beauty of the Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful and awe-striking natural wonders of the USA - take a tour through this must-see location in this video.
When Animals Love, We Get Wonderful Moments Like These
18 gorgeous moments of animals showing affection and love to each other in wonderful photography by Goran Anastasovski, see how they kiss, hug and show love.
This Video Proves That Pigs Are Both Cute and Hilarious!
These pigs have the ability to melt your heart, but they often end up making you scream with laughter in the process!
These Are the Best Nature Walks in the Entire World
There's no doubt that walking in nature is good for the soul, so imagine what it would do for you along the very best routes in the world. Here are 10 of them.
Who Needs Superheroes When We Have These Dogs?
Take a look at the extraordinary stories of five remarkable dogs who save lives and stop crimes.
These Are Some of the Luckiest Felines in the World Today
There are millions of animals around the world that are in need of a loving home, but these 17 cats represent heart-warming success stories. Meet them here.
Best of BBC: 7 Animal Videos You HAVE to Watch
Feast your eyes on 7 perfect animal moments, from the cute to the colorful, from the beautiful to the menacing - these BBC videos are gorgeous.
The Colors of These Birds are Ravishing!
Birds inspire us, fascinate us and make us admire them with their beauty and grace. Enjoy some beautiful pictures of 14 of the most colorful birds in the world.
Rain Adds So Much More Beauty to Nature...
Flowers are way more beautiful after some rain has fallen. Don't believe us? Check these photos out then!