In honor of National Panda Day, celebrated every year on March 16, here are five cool facts about giant pandas!
1. Giant pandas have special “thumbs.”
One of the interesting evolutionary traits of the giant panda is their protruding wrist bone that acts like a thumb. This helps the pandas hold bamboo while they munch on it.
2. Pandas eat a massive amount of bamboo every day.
Due to the low nutritional value of bamboo, pandas need to eat 10-20 kg (20-40 lb.) a day. They spend up to 16 hours of the day eating!
3. Pandas often sound like goats or sheep.
The most common sound a panda bear makes is a bleating sound, similar to that of a goat or sheep. But they can make a variety of sounds, including honks, huffs, barks, squeaks, and growls.
4. Pandas use their heads to help them climb trees.
Researchers at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China observed panda cubs climbing trees. They found the most effective climbers used their heads to help hug and grip the tree trunk as they shinnied up.
5. Sometimes male pandas pee while doing handstands.
Pandas mark their territories with scents. They have scent glands on their rumps which they rub on trees, rocks and the ground. They also scent mark with urine. Sometimes male pandas do handstands so they can leave their pee high up on a tree trunk!
