Winter physical training course for giant pandas is underway to enhance their hind limb strength at the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
Keepers there insert carrots and other foods into one end of a bamboo pole, then guide the giant panda to stand on its hind legs and reach for the treat.
Starting in November each year, the training course takes place twice a day, about an hour after their morning and midday meals. Each training session lasts about five to 10 minutes.
Among the adorable animals, Qi Zai, the world's only brown-and-white panda in captivity, stands out as particularly distinctive. Born in 2009 and weighing 110 kilograms now, this giant panda, whose unique coloring is caused by a rare genetic mutation, typically exhibits a slow and relaxed demeanor. Keepers noted that the panda often lies down even while eating, appearing thoroughly content and relaxed.
However, during training sessions, this seemingly lethargic panda becomes intensely focused -- locking onto the target, pushing off with its hind limbs, leaping upward with notable agility to follow the food attached to the bamboo pole, and taking several consecutive steps on its hind legs.
"We assess its condition on a daily basis, and determine whether it can complete more than 10 minutes of physical training. If so, the session is considered successful. If the animal is uncooperative, we respond with extra patience and gentle guidance," said Xue Wangli, a keeper of the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center.
However, training sessions do not always proceed smoothly. Occasionally, the bamboo poles themselves become an unexpected treat for the pandas. Shu Bao, a 3-year-old giant panda, was seen clamping down on a pole, chewing it with obvious relish.
"When a giant panda grabs a bamboo pole, our keepers usually let go and allow it to eat. Only if the panda shows no interest do the keepers pull the pole back. If the panda continues to eat, the keepers will wait until it finishes before replacing the pole with a spare one for further training," explained Xue.
Zhang Danhui, deputy director of the Giant Panda Management Department at the research center, said that the training regimen is not merely a game. For male giant pandas, strengthening hind limb power helps them maintain optimal condition during the breeding season, while for females and sub-adult giant panda, it serves as a crucial method to enhance physical fitness and promote overall health.
"The physical training isn't just about strengthening its hind legs, and it is designed to enhance the pandas' overall physical condition and build better strength," added Zhang.
Giant pandas taking winter workouts for better strength in northwest China
