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Summary Six pandas bred in captivity prepare to be released into an enclosed forest in southwest China.
Six giant pandas bred in captivity in southwest China are preparing to move into an enclosed forest area, a major step in Chinas push to return more of the creatures to the wild, state media reported.The pandas, which have been raised into the Chengdu Panda Base, will move into the 134 hectare forest area at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Release Research Center, also known as Panda Valley, on Wednesday, broadcaster CCTV has said.The six pandas -- named Xingrong, Xingya, Gongzai, Yingying, Zhizhi and Qiqi -- have been selected from 108 pandas living at the base after a years observation of their health conditions and genetic backgrounds.The group, whose ages range from two to four, are the first to be released into the special area, which aims to train giant pandas born in captivity how to survive in the wild.Of 10 pandas released since 1983, only two are still in the wild. Six were returned to the breeding center after severe weight loss, one was found dead and another is thought to have also died, CCTV said.Two year old female Zhizhi likes to crawl up the highest tree inside the base, and was selected for her outgoing personality and leadership skills.Gongzai, a lively three year old male, has been compared to the hero from the film Kung Fu Panda for his speed and agility, hopefully making him well equipped for life in the wild.
