READING REPORT

Student’s Name : Rojas Carbajal, Tania

Get Up Close and Personal with Bao Bao in Amazing New Photos

Summary

At the National Zoo, an important event happened. A baby giant panda named Bao Bao was born. Many scientists in the zoo take a lot of measures for finding new things about Bao Bao and her development. Every day, veterinarians are watching through cameras to her mom called Mei Xiang that takes care in her baby. In fact, giant pandas are amazing animals.

First, giant pandas are usually considered a kind of bear but their habits are totally different. For example, they don’t roar or growl. It sounds like a sheep. Second, they don’t get pregnant easily. About panda’s development, scientists have to wait for 4 months for knowing is the panda is pregnant or not. The article mentions how veterinarians have to artificially inseminate Mei Xiang with Tian Tian's sperms. Furthermore, their cubs are pretty small. Third, their nutrition is only vegetarian. They usually eat bamboo that is considered an unusual election. There are investigations about how panda’s ancestor changed their carnivorous tastes. Also, their digestive tracts are designed for meat and the question is why pandas choose to eat bamboo instead other kind of meal. Finally, pandas don't hibernate because they live in a different environment than other bears.

Finally, the author mentions some researchers’ opinions about their interest to follow pandas. They think that there is so much to learn from pandas but it couldn’t compare with the pleasure of encountering one of them in their own environment. In addition, the author mentions a quote about a researcher called Wang and his emotional experience with a baby panda.

Personal Opinion

I think information of the article is important for knowing more about pandas and the importance to preserve the balance in the nature. Giant pandas hardly breed in captivity for their extreme shyness. There are many animals with similar problems, for example, snow cats, gorillas and birds. Other huge problem is the destruction of their natural habitat. Nowadays, people cut down thousands of acres of bamboo forest. Also, another major cause of its demise is poachers’ existence. Chinese government imposed punishments for pandas’ illegally hunt. Also, the scientists apply methods such as artificial insemination. I agree with it because helps animals to reproduce, when they are in danger extinction and they may have some problems to reproduce. If people take care to the animals and their habitats, they will have better quality life.