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China reserve shows off 10 panda cubs to mark Chinese New Year

China reserve shows off 10 panda cubs to mark Chinese New Year

A baby panda climbs on a display for Chinese New Year at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Reserve in China's Sichuan province, Feb 3, 2021. (Photo: Chinatopix via AP)

BEIJING: Ten panda cubs made their public debut in China's leading panda reserve on Wednesday (Feb 3) morning to mark the coming Chinese New Year.

One appeared shy and covered its face with both paws when it saw the crowd, while another went rogue and crawled away from its keeper before being caught.

The pandas range in age from four to six months, and all resulted from natural mating, according to the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in southwest China's Sichuan province.

The black-and-white fluff balls made their appearance in a playground at the centre adorned with Chinese New Year decorations including lanterns, traditional Chinese knots, paper cars and flags.

Baby pandas climb on a display for Chinese New Year at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Reserve in China's Sichuan province, Feb 3, 2021. (Photo: Chinatopix via AP) China Baby Pandas

"Newborn baby pandas from the class of 2020 ... wish you a happy new year and lots of good luck in the Year of the Ox," their keepers shouted with the pandas in their arms, while some tried to clamber away.

Bamboo baskets of treats were prepared for the pandas, with the Chinese character "fu", meaning good fortune and blessings, written on the outside.

This mimicked the Chinese tradition of adults giving red envelopes with money inside to children during the Chinese New Year to pass them good wishes and blessings.

Instead of money, the baby pandas got snacks. Some of them were curious about the baskets, while others were distracted by the toys and decorations nearby.

Baby pandas sit near a display for Chinese New Year at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Reserve in China's Sichuan province, Feb 3, 2021. (Photo: Chinatopix via AP) China Baby Pandas

As of December, there were 44 panda cubs worldwide, and more than half were bred in China.

China has prided itself on its efforts to preserve a species that was endangered for many years. Pandas are also a symbol of China and part of its cultural diplomacy.

Source: AP/dv

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