homehome Home chatchat Notifications


Pandas scared after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake - warning: extreme cuteness alert

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake was absolutely brutal: at a magnitude of 8, and coming in a totally unexpected area, it struck hard. But humans weren’t the only ones affected by it – and they weren’t the only ones scared by it. The Wolong National Nature Reserve, home to around 280 giant pandas was struck hard […]

Mihai Andrei
October 5, 2012 @ 9:21 am

share Share

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake was absolutely brutal: at a magnitude of 8, and coming in a totally unexpected area, it struck hard. But humans weren’t the only ones affected by it – and they weren’t the only ones scared by it.

The Wolong National Nature Reserve, home to around 280 giant pandas was struck hard by the earthquake as well. As soon as the population recovered from the initial shock, and did what could be done for humans in the area, it was time to take care of the panda.

Three pandas were unaccounted for initially, but many were injured. But as it turned out, emotional scars were much deeper. As you can see, volunteers had to practically carry the pandas into the shelter.

Sadly, only two of them were found living. For the cubs however, a new battle began.

What was noticed was that pandas, especially cubs, always remained in groups after the earthquake. They were just so afraid, they wanted to stick together…

…even when they were having their milk.

This one was trying to find a safe, stable place.

No, please! I don’t want a shot :(

This following pictures don’t need any commentaries – just incredibly cute pandas being taken care of – it’s hard for me not to hug the screen.

 

share Share

One-Third of the World's Scavengers are Disappearing And This Could Trigger a Human Health Crisis

Nature’s least loved animals are dying fast. This could make the environment stinky and pathogens unstoppable.

Scientists Catch Two Wild Orcas "French Kissing" And It Might Mean More Than You Think

Scientists believe the habit is a part of social bonding.

Wild Orcas Are Offering Fish to Humans and Scientists Say They May Be Trying to Bond with Us

Scientists recorded 34 times orcas offered prey to humans over 20 years.

This Shark Expert Has Spent Decades Studying Attacks and Says We’ve Been Afraid for the Wrong Reasons

The cold truth about shark attacks and why you’re safer than you think.

What if Every Roadkill Had a Memorial?

Road ecology, the scientific study of how road networks impact ecosystems, presents a perfect opportunity for community science projects.

This Bear Lived Two Years With a Barrel Lid Stuck on Its Neck Before Finally Being Freed

A Michigan bear wore a plastic ring for two years. Somehow, it’s doing just fine.

These Squirrels Are Hunting and Eating Meat and Scientists Only Just Noticed

California ground squirrels surprise scientists with their newly discovered taste for mammalian flesh.

Octopuses use microbes to "taste" their surroundings with their arms

As if octopuses weren't stunning enough.

Wasp Mums Keep Remarkable Mental To-Do List For Multiple Nests Despite Tiny Brain

The childcare schedule of female digger wasps is impressive to say the least.

Why Bats Don’t Get Cancer—And What That Could Mean for Us

Bats can live up to 40 years without developing cancer. Scientists now know why.