Pan Pan’s passion took pandas off the endangered species list

Not only were pandas endangered, up until 2016 it was a major concern that they would go extinct. Several factors contributed to that concern. Female pandas are only fertile for a few days every spring. The species finds their mates in ways that differ from other bears, as well. They do not roar but find each other through more subtle scents and calls. This means there is quite a small window for them to find a partner and make panda babies!

Many pandas alive in the world live in protected habitats, and they were known to be picky when it comes to mating. One passionate bear named Pan Pan took up the opportunity to save his species! Out of 520 giant pandas living in captivity, he is father to 130 of them! A short time ago scientists believed the only way to save the giant panda was through artificial insemination, but Pan Pan produced a generation of procreative pandas to keep the adorable black and white bears around.

Although recent years have brought this great news for panda bears, there are still some ways to go before pandas can live in the wild healthily and successfully. For example, other factors like deforestation are part of the equation.