Documentary series brings wildlife conservation new 'panda-monium'

The six-episode documentary program The Adventures of the Panda, co-produced by Beijing TV and Sichuan TV, is now airing.

The series follows the journey of giant pandas from their birth, growth and return to the wild to social networks and their unique role in international diplomacy. It also delves into their "retirement" life, offering an in-depth look at panda biology, breeding and conservation efforts.

At a preview screening in Beijing on Friday, general director and producer Lai Yirui highlighted exclusive content, including the excavation of the 47th panda remains in the Shuanghe cave in Southwest China's Guizhou province, the birth of twin panda cubs by Cancan, and new footage of wild pandas with cubs.

"We hope to use the panda's unique perspective to showcase China's remarkable efforts and success in ecological conservation," Lai said.

Mao Xue, director of the second episode The Road to Growth, noted that before filming, many crew members envied panda caretakers, imagining it to be a dream job. However, the reality proved to be much more demanding.

In one scene, panda keeper Xie Qingyang is shown gently feeding a panda cub, wiping its mouth and patting its back to help it burp — a moment that appears heartwarming. However, Mao explained that Xie works around the clock in the nursery.