The Beijing Zoo was built in 1906 in Qing Dynasty with an area of only 10 hectares and a few humble pavilions to house the animals. It was named as "Wansheng Garden"(Ten-Thousand Animal Garden) and officially renamed as Beijing Zoo in 1955. Now it covers an area of 86 hectares, breeding over 5000 animals in more than 450 species. Beijing Zoo has rare Chinese animals, such as the Giant Panda, the Golden Monkey, the Red Panda, Sichuan golden monkey, Manchurian tigers, yaks from Tibet, enormous sea turtles and also a strong selection from around the world - Indian elephants, zebras and giraffes from Africa - the list of animals could be very long.
The Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a black and white bear native to central and south western China. Although scientists do not know why these unusual bears are black and white, some speculate that the bold coloring provides effective camouflage into their shade-dappled snowy and rocky surroundings. The panda’s thick, wooly coat keeps it warm in the cool forests of its habitat. Giant pandas have large molar teeth and strong jaw muscles for crushing tough bamboo.
The Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a black and white bear native to central and south western China. Although scientists do not know why these unusual bears are black and white, some speculate that the bold coloring provides effective camouflage into their shade-dappled snowy and rocky surroundings. The panda’s thick, wooly coat keeps it warm in the cool forests of its habitat. Giant pandas have large molar teeth and strong jaw muscles for crushing tough bamboo.
