subject: Panda Bear Stuffed Animals & Facts [print this page] If you have ever been lucky enough to see a Panda in a zoo, you are very fortunate indeed. Outside of the mountains of Western China, where they live year round, they can only be found in a few zoos around the world. More commonly, red pandas can be seen in more zoos than the black and white pandas we all know and love. Because these unique animals are so beloved by the public, panda bear stuffed animals are a very popular choice of plush toy next to the teddy bear. In fact, because of the increased idolization of the teddy bear, like the black bear, panda's were one of the animals toy manufactures used for inspiration in designing more modern teddy bears.
There is still much debate on whether or not pandas are truly members of the bear species. They have been classed with the raccoon family but according to some reports, in the late 80s following DNA testing, pandas were thought to be closer relatives of bears. With the pandas teddy like appearance it's no wonder they are referred to as panda bears or in the world of plush, panda bear stuffed animals.
The history of the panda is an interesting one, dating back some two million years according to the first discovered skull found in China. Based on the research, it is believed that pandas have evolved over a period of three million years, totally separate from the lineage of other bears. Genuine interest of these unusual looking animals began in the late 19th century when American fashion designer Ruth Harkness captured a baby panda and took it to the United States. The cub became and instant celebrity and helped boost awareness and sympathy for the plight of the species. Then, in the early 1960s, four panda reserves were established along with an all important decree prohibiting a list of animals of which included the panda. Following this, in 1979, the World Wildlife Federation (WWF), signed an agreement with China for conservation cooperation with the panda as the number one priority.
Due to a habitat that is diminishing because of population and development, panda bears are restricted to just three provinces in China: Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu. Amongst the three, there are approximately 20 patches of mountain forest where pandas can be found. In 2004, a survey counted 1,600 remaining pandas in the wild. Luckily, for all of their ardent fans and supporters, panda bear stuffed animals are widely available around the world. It would be devastating to think that the only way we would ever remember pandas would be with panda bear stuffed animals let's hope that all the ongoing conservation efforts to keep the panda population alive and thriving, continues to be successful.
Panda's of course, are easily recognizable; they have a white coat with black fur around their eyes (like a mask), shoulders, ears, legs and muzzle. Panda bear stuffed animals are identical in looks to the real thing and while not quite as large as a live adult (they can weigh up to 330 pounds), they do come in an abundant number of sizes. No matter what size panda bear stuffed animals you settle on, you are sure to be as enchanted with the plush version as you are with the real thing.
