New View Regarding the Giant Pandas in Captivity

Exceptionally high awareness has turned the giant panda captive program into a concerted international effort that carried the largest investment in the history of wildlife conservation, the most sophisticated task-collaborations, and the smoothest information sharing in the globe. Although a few of the conservation groups remain uncertain about keeping the giant panda populations in captivity, but by doing so much learning about these animals have been achieved is an indisputable fact. So is the success of effectively increasing the number of captive bred giant pandas, making their release back to the wild a distinct possibility. In line to the protection from over exploitation as afforded in Appendix I of "Conventions on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (so called CITES)", where it listed "species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants that are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for instance for scientific research", all the benefits derived from the giant panda program shall be rewarded back to the animals’ in situ conservations.

Zoos have gained importance in the roles they played in wildlife conservation in the 21 Century, for no other reason than the inability to restore the nature habitats in a short time period. The many endangered species zoos keep worldwide in captivity, not only symbolize the chance that one day those animals may return to the wild, but also fabulous opportunities for visitors to take part in the protection and conservation of species as well.

After assessing carefully of its responsibilities and standings on international conservation matters now that China has proffered the giant pandas as a gift, the following objectives have been identified by the Taipei Zoo from a professional development perspective:

• To participate in the promotion of international wildlife conservation efforts.
• Help to establish satellite breeding programs to minimize the risk of over concentration of giant panda populations under captivity.
• Assist with the caretaking and management of pensioned-off species deemed unfit to return to the wild, housed in enclosed structures, and/or where related resources are limited.
• Cooperate in international wildlife conservation studies such as population genetics, behaviors and ecology, nutrition and management, conservation and reproduction, etc.
• Apply and adopt experiences and findings derived from participating in international conservation efforts of flagship species into native conservation education materials.
• Construct professional exchange and dialog channels, so thus to inject critical thinking and techniques into the conservation efforts of native wild animals that are endangered.