Sleepy giant panda cub resists keeper's wake-up call

A young panda is seen stubbornly refusing to wake up for the day in adorable recently released footage captured at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

The archive footage, taken during the cubhood of giant panda Cheng Shi -- now nine years old -- has only now been released to the public, allowing the world to experience the relatable moment when the cub's keeper gently coaxes him out a deep slumber. Unmoved by the encouragement, the young bear remains softly lying on the ground.

Even after the keeper managed to get Cheng Shi to sit upright, the sleepy cub lay flat on the ground once again just moments later. Cheng Shi is a male panda that was born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on August 19, 2016. He earned the nickname of "Little Gray" due to his unusually light-colored fur at birth -- a distinctive trait that faded as he matured.

The Chengdu base is a world-renowned center for the ex-situ conservation of giant pandas. It also serves as a hub for scientific research, public education and ecotourism. The institution is internationally recognized for its efforts to protect and breed giant pandas, red pandas and other endangered wildlife species native to China.

Sleepy giant panda cub resists keeper's wake-up call

Sleepy giant panda cub resists keeper's wake-up call

Enduring friendships between giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in southwest China's Sichuan Province has been captured in recently released footage, showcasing the success of the base's science-backed animal welfare practices.

Captured at the base's Moonlight Delivery House, Star Giant Panda Nursery House and No. 1 Giant Panda Villa, the video clips feature various pairs of same-age pandas joyfully playing and wrestling together.

The practice of housing same-age pandas together is a form of social enrichment, designed to promote interaction and behavioral diversity among individuals.

Panda enrichment refers to scientific conservation methods employed in captivity to enhance the welfare of these national treasures, meet their physiological and psychological needs, and encourage them to display more natural behaviors.

The Chengdu base is a world-renowned facility for ex-situ conservation, scientific research and breeding, public education, and eco-tourism. It is globally recognized for protecting and breeding endangered Chinese wildlife species such as giant pandas and red pandas.

Footage captures panda friendships at Chengdu base