Sichuan Province, known as the hometown of giant pandas, is set to welcome the first cohort of students at China’s inaugural giant panda college. Located at China West Normal University (CWNU), the college will enroll 50 undergraduates this autumn.

The college, established in September 2023 by the Sichuan Forestry and Grassland Administration, marks a significant advancement in the field of panda ecology. CWNU, recognized for its pioneering and influential research on wild panda ecology, has been at the forefront of this field for years, drawing global attention to its studies.

Students at the giant panda college will have the opportunity for hands-on experience and internships, focusing on giant panda protection, breeding, and disease prevention. Wei Wei, a teacher at the college, highlighted the practical components of the curriculum, which will provide students with invaluable experience in panda care and conservation efforts.

The establishment of the college has been met with widespread acclaim. Netizens have praised the unique opportunity it offers for close interaction with giant pandas. Additionally, some graduates have expressed a keen interest in returning to CWNU to pursue this new major.

The college aims to play a vital role in ecological and conservation initiatives, including habitat restoration, the construction of a panda national park, and promoting panda population growth. Furthermore, it will facilitate the reintroduction of pandas into the wild and conduct extensive research to advance panda conservation. The dissemination of panda culture is also a key objective, enhancing public awareness and education on conservation issues.

The launch of this college underscores China’s commitment to preserving its national treasure and contributing to global conservation efforts.