PANDAS ARE GREAT.

They’re one of the world’s favourite animals as well as a cultural icon, an economic mainstay and a source of national pride in China – the only country in which these Asian bears still survive.

National Geographic magazine’s latest issue features a photo essay captured by photographer Ami Vitale on the bears.

The images show the incredible progression of pandas bred in captivity: from infancy to release into the wild.

This slideshow will make you feel good:

These pictures of pandas will improve your day

Previous 1 / 7Next

Pandas
Ye Ye, a 16-year-old giant panda, lounges in a wild enclosure at a conservation center in Wolong Nature Reserve.Source: Ami Vitale
Pandas
Panda keepers Ma Li and Liu Xiaoqiang listen for radio signals from a collared panda training to be released to the wild.Source: Ami Vitale
Pandas
Zhang Hemin—“Papa Panda” to his staff—poses with cubs born in 2015 at Bifengxia Panda Base. Source: Ami Vitale
Panda
Bears mate under keepers’ watch— a far cry from the privacy they have in the wild.Source: Ami Vitale
Panda
Blind, nearly hairless, squeaky, and 1/900 the size of its mother, a newborn panda is as needy as it gets. But it won’t be for long: The panda is among the fastest growing mammals, increasing from around four ounces to four pounds in its first month. Source: Ami Vitale
Panda
Three-month-old cubs nap in the panda nursery at Bifengxia. A panda mother that bears twins usually fails to give them equal attention. Keepers reduce the load by regularly swapping cubs in and out—making sure each gets both human and panda-mom care.Source: Ami Vitale
Panda
Triple the cuteness—and the work. One mom cares for all these cubs, only one of which she bore.Source: Ami Vitale

Source: Ami Vitale" title="">
Source: Ami Vitale" title="">
Source: Ami Vitale" title="">
Source: Ami Vitale" title="">
Source: Ami Vitale" title="">
Source: Ami Vitale" title="">
Source: Ami Vitale" title="">

You’re welcome.

Read: Parents in zoo killing case say their son is “doing well” and they “praise God” for his safety

Read: The Rich Dogs of London lead better lives than most humans

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More