In a recent development at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China, 12 tourists have been issued a lifetime ban for their disruptive behavior around the pandas. According to CNN, the ban comes after the tourists were caught spitting and throwing objects into the pandas’ play area.
The tourists, ranging in age from 26 to 61, were found guilty of spitting into the outdoor play area on two separate occasions and throwing various items including bread, eggs, lollipop sticks, cigarettes, and bamboo shoots. Despite their actions, the pandas were thankfully unharmed, as confirmed by a statement on the research base’s official WeChat account, which also reassured the public of the pandas’ continued health and happiness.
Although the banned guests and their nationalities have not been disclosed publicly, the WeChat post clarified that the incidents occurred between April and June of this year, and the tourists were not part of a single group.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a popular tourist attraction in Chengdu, emphasizes visitor guidelines on its website, urging visitors to prioritize their safety and that of the animals. Rules include maintaining quietness, avoiding close contact with animals, and refraining from littering, spitting, or throwing food into animal areas.
Violations of these rules result in penalties ranging from criticism and education to one-year bans, five-year bans, or even lifetime bans from entering the park, depending on the severity of the offense.
Established in 1987 in Sichuan, China, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding plays a crucial role in conservation efforts for giant pandas, serving as a research center, educational facility, and global tourist destination aimed at preserving and restoring the natural habitat of these iconic animals.
Sources By Agencies