First Healthy Giant Panda Discovered Entering Daguping Village

First Healthy Giant Panda Discovered Entering Daguping Village

Just after the 28th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar, a giant panda quietly made its way into Daguping Village. This marked the first time in 2025 that a giant panda “visited” this village.

The Foping National Nature Reserve in Shaanxi Province is located on the southern slope of the central Qinling Mountains. It is the first forest and wildlife type nature reserve in Shaanxi, serving functions such as scientific research, resource protection, patrol monitoring, community co-management, and environmental education. According to data from four national comprehensive giant panda surveys, the Foping Reserve continues to maintain the highest density of wild panda populations in the country.

Daguping Village is the most remote natural village in Foping. The village’s collective forest area overlaps with the national forest of the Foping Reserve. Since the establishment of the reserve’s natural resource protection role, Daguping Village has become an integral part of the reserve. It is often humorously referred to by locals as the “fifth protection station” and proudly calls itself the “Panda Village.”

“Our village is just an ordinary natural village, but because we live next to giant pandas, we don’t feel ordinary. There’s always a subtle sense of pride in our hearts,” said the villagers, who often discuss giant pandas in their daily conversations.

On January 14, villager Zhang Zhongping was taking a walk by the river when, as he turned around, he saw a giant panda hesitating on the road under the panda-themed signage of the local protection station. Just across the narrow Bai Ma Gorge was the village committee of Daguping.

For the villagers of Daguping, everyone is equipped with basic emergency response knowledge when it comes to encountering a giant panda. Upon spotting the panda, Zhang immediately made the decision not to disturb it and chose to observe from a distance. He quickly hid behind a walnut tree near the protection station’s courtyard wall and watched quietly.

“From previous experiences of panda sightings in the village, we know that pandas usually come down from the mountains only when they are sick or injured. But this time was different. The panda appeared agile, quick to respond, and looked healthy,” Zhang judged.

Although Zhang chose to hide upon seeing the panda, the alert giant panda soon detected the presence of a human and immediately ran off towards the bamboo forest on the hillside. This bamboo grove is the panda’s primary food source and also serves as a hiding place.

After the panda left, Zhang promptly reported the sighting to the Daguping Protection Station. Using the local surveillance footage, staff members could not confirm further details but could reasonably conclude that the panda was healthy. They decided not to track or search for the panda immediately. The next day, they entered the bamboo forest where the panda had been and collected its feces to gather more information.

Zhang said, “The Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and to unexpectedly encounter a giant panda like this is truly a good omen! Over the years, I have always considered myself part of the protection station team. I have always been ‘on standby’ to contribute to the protection of the giant pandas.”

Daguping Protection Station is known as the site where the first brown giant panda, “Dan Dan,” was discovered and successfully rescued. It is also where wild pandas such as “Xi Xi,” “Xuan Xuan,” and “Bin Bin” were rescued after being injured. After receiving treatment, these pandas were able to extend their lives and continue their “panda journeys.” Since the establishment of the Foping Reserve, more than 50 wild pandas have been rescued (or treated), and this is the first time that a healthy giant panda has been found freely entering the village.

The discovery marks an important milestone in the reserve’s efforts to safeguard the giant panda population. Unlike other instances where pandas were found to be sick or injured, this panda’s healthy appearance suggests that the conservation efforts in the area have been effective, allowing the pandas to live freely and safely in their natural habitat. It is a testament to the ongoing dedication of the local communities and conservation staff who work tirelessly to protect these iconic creatures.

The residents of Daguping Village continue to take pride in living side by side with giant pandas. Their deep connection with the pandas fosters a strong sense of responsibility for their conservation, making them active participants in the protection of these beloved animals. The village, with its unique proximity to the wild pandas, is not only a peaceful haven for these creatures but also a symbol of the harmonious coexistence between nature and human efforts in protecting endangered species.

As this new year begins, the people of Daguping Village and the Foping Protection Station remain committed to preserving the health and safety of the giant pandas, ensuring that future generations will be able to share the same awe-inspiring encounters with these magnificent creatures.