With its adorable black and white face adorning posters everywhere, the giant panda epitomizes the plight of endangered animals. They have been one of the zoo's foremost attractions, drawing visitors from throughout the world. Consider yourself fortunate if you have seen a live giant panda because only about 1,000 remain in the wild in China. Often called the panda bear, the giant panda is perhaps the most famous endangered animal. Actually, the panda is not a bear at all.
Scientists say the giant panda is more closely related to a raccoon than a bear.
The panda's forepaw is different than those of bears. It has an elongated wrist bone that provides a sixth finger, giving the panda the ability to grasp bamboo stems, its main food. The Associated Press Hsing Hsing munches on bamboo. Zoo officials said Tuesday that Hsing-Hsing is receiving treatment for severe kidney dysfunction that may not be reversible. The panda lives in six small areas located in China.