Native to small pockets of south central China, pandas are a rather unique member of the bear family. Although pandas are technically considered carnivores, their diet consists almost entirely of bamboo, whereas other bear species eat a mixture of plants, berries, and meat!
History: While their population numbers aren't decreasing as rapidly as many other endangered species, pandas are what’s known as a conservation reliant species. As the term suggests, pandas are reliant on zoos and sanctuaries in order to keep their population numbers stable. Pandas have a naturally low birth rate in the wild, and while this isn’t an issue on its own, it becomes a serious problem when their numbers and habitats are already threatened.
Scientific Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Characteristics: In the midst of a calm gait, this lifelike painted panda toy figurine captures the spirit of this magical mammal. Did you know that for a period of time, some researchers believed pandas were closely related to raccoons?
Size: Measuring 9.5 cm long and 5.7 cm tall, this panda toy figurine is about the size of a deck of cards stood on its side.