Giant pandas are primarily known for their love of bamboo, which makes up almost 99% of their diet. However, these cuddly creatures are not limited to bamboo alone and can enjoy a variety of other foods, including fruit. In fact, fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, peaches, tomatoes, and sugarcane are often a delightful treat for pandas in both the wild and captivity.
In the controlled environment of zoos and wildlife parks, fruit is usually provided as a supplementary food item. It is typically offered on a regular schedule and in measured portions, ensuring that pandas receive a balanced diet. Depending on the season and the availability of fruit, zookeepers may offer different types. For example, when apples and sugarcane are in season, pandas may be allowed to indulge in these foods freely. Other fruits may be processed into jams or mixed with fresh milk for an added nutritional boost.
Observational evidence also suggests that pandas have a natural inclination toward fruits. Some pandas, like Qin Xiu from the Qinling Wildlife Park, are known to climb trees in the autumn to pluck persimmons, showing both skill and enjoyment. Similarly, the only brown captive panda, Qi Zai, is often seen leisurely eating pumpkins in the afternoon, producing a satisfying crunch as he chews. Another panda, Da Mei, is so fond of apples that after eating one, she meticulously licks her paws clean, seemingly savoring the last traces of the fruit.
While bamboo is the staple food for giant pandas, it lacks certain vitamins and minerals that fruits can provide. As such, fruits play an important role in diversifying a panda’s diet and contributing to its overall health. The vitamins and minerals found in fruits are essential for maintaining healthy bodily functions, and they cannot be fully replaced by bamboo. Additionally, consuming fruit helps promote healthy digestion in pandas. It aids in stimulating their intestinal movement and secretion of digestive fluids, contributing to better digestive health.