Although they once roamed over a large portion of Asia, they are now only found in the wild in a small area in Southwestern China along the Tibetan Plateau. 

Referred to as a “living fossil,” the Giant Panda is believed to have existed since the Pleistocene age, approximately 3 million years ago.

In China’s Han dynasty (206 BC – 24 AD), the highly prized and gentle pandas graced the gardens of the emperors. Pandas were believed to have mystical powers.

In the 1940’s the Chinese government began conservation efforts to protect pandas. In 1963 the first panda reserve was established in southern China.  Pandas were classified as an endangered species in the 1980’s. There are now about 1,600 living in the wild.

Pere Jean Pierre Armand David, a French missionary and naturalist, was the first Westerner to describe a panda in 1869.

In 1972, when President Richard Nixon established relations with China, the panda gained attention in the United States. While visiting China, first lady Pat Nixon commented to her host that she loved the pandas. In response to this comment, the first panda was sent to the National Zoo in Washington. D.C. as a gift from China to Mrs. Nixon.

The panda is considered a “National Treasure” by the people of China.