As of November 2018, the number of giant pandas in captivity has hit a record high again, reaching 548 worldwide. Captive giant pandas live between Panda Centers in China and zoos around the world. 58 giant pandas in captivity currently live outside China, living in 22 zoos across 17 different countries. Pandas in captivity within China are kept either in zoos or in research bases. Two largest giant panda research bases are located in Sichuan: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Wolong Nature Reserve and Panda Reserve. Both research bases include state-of-the-art research center and breeding facility, which is essential to sustain the panda population. In addition, both are family friendly tourist destinations attracting millions of tourists every year.
- Published at 2018 International Conference of Giant Panda Protection and Breeding
