OT Staff & Waquar Habib
China has around 1,864 wild giant pandas across Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu. Alongside these, it maintains the largest captive panda population, making it the world’s foremost centre for panda conservation.
The United States hosts 9 pandas, all loaned from China. They live in major zoos like Washington and Atlanta, supporting global breeding programmes, conservation research, and public awareness about endangered wildlife.
Japan houses 8 pandas in captivity, mainly at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo. Beloved nationwide, they contribute to successful breeding initiatives and symbolise close conservation cooperation between Japan and China in protecting pandas.
Belgium is home to 5 pandas at Pairi Daiza Zoo, including successfully bred cubs. They attract millions of visitors yearly, showcasing Belgium’s conservation role and ongoing long-term panda loan agreement.
Germany has 4 pandas living at Berlin Zoo, the only zoo in the country to host them. They support captive breeding, research programmes, and enhance Germany’s profile in panda conservation.
France houses 3 pandas at Beauval Zoo, a key European conservation hub. Successful births here highlight France’s active role in panda research and demonstrate effective collaboration with Chinese wildlife authorities.
South Korea maintains 3 pandas at Everland Zoo near Seoul. They are key to breeding and education efforts, representing strong conservation partnerships between South Korea and China’s wildlife authorities.
Spain has 3 pandas at Madrid Zoo Aquarium. The zoo participates in breeding attempts with Chinese support, and the pandas remain important conservation symbols and popular attractions for Spanish visitors.
Malaysia houses 3 pandas at Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur. Successful births here highlight Malaysia’s active role in panda conservation and its diplomatic partnership with China’s wildlife preservation programmes.
The United Kingdom hosts 2 pandas at Edinburgh Zoo. On long-term loan from China, they promote conservation awareness, research collaboration, and cultural ties, symbolising international cooperation in protecting giant pandas.