People in Panda Costumes Commute on London Underground

Posted on July 6, 2012

Some of the 108 pandas that gathered in Trafalgar Square for Tai Chi also rode the subway in the London Underground. The event marked the beginning of Panda Awareness Week (PAW). The 108 number is significant because it matches the number of pandas currently living at the Chengdu Panda Base in China. There are about 400 pandas living in captivity around the world and about 1,600 left in the wild.

During PAW Nigel Marven and panda experts from Chengdu, accompanied by the costumed pandas, will be visiting London primary schools to educate and inspire children in the importance of saving the giant panda and how they can play a role in Chengdu's ongoing conservation efforts.

Dr. Zhang Zhihe, Director of the Chengdu panda base, said in a statement, "The Chengdu panda base is thrilled to be launching Panda Awareness Week in London as the world's attention shifts to the city ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

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