Panda Impersonators Spotted...Remain Vigilant, Pandas!

How serious is China about protecting endangered species within there borders? It turns out that they will stop at nothing to protect pandas. Pandas are finally being reintroduced into the wild, and as you can see, the Chinese aren't messing around. In order to decrease their dependence on humans, a result of life in captivity, if assistance is needed, the keepers will don panda costumes rather than risk letting the animals get used to contact with human beings. The brave panda at the heart of this reintroduction? Cao Gen is 10 months old, and for pandas, the best time to learn to live in the wild is between the ages of six months and 18 months, according to 82-year-old panda scholar Hu Jinchu. But are they REALLY dedicated to helping these pandas survive? I would have to say so just for this reason: because the chief predators of pandas in Wolong are leopards, Hu advised keepers there to dress and roar like leopards. Doing so, he said, will help Cao Gen prepare for life in the wild.

 How does this affect China as a country? Well for one, it shows a basis for ecological responsibility, and shows that China is indeed taking steps to save its environment, which is one that has been constantly and continuously degraded by massive economic output. Additionally, it serves as a form of economic investment: the Chinese Vice Premier has been pushing for an expansion of tourism as a major industry in China, and Cao Gen may be the catalyst for waves of tourists considering China as their holiday destination. This shows China's political development in other sectors other than production, and with any luck, preservation of Chinese heritage and ecological responsibility will take the forefront of any future policy in China. Seeing as how Chinese officials have (albeit discreetly) hoped to slow the growth of the juggernaut that is the Chinese economy, turning their focus inwards and boosting national pride and identity will help lead to a stronger internal state able to sustain growth. But remember. Be very careful if you see a funny looking panda. It just might be a human in disguise, waiting to snatch you away from your comfortable zoo life and put you in the wild so you can be snarled at by man-leopards. You have been warned!