The May 12th quake caused massive destruction at the Wolong Panda Breeding Centre and has had to close to visitors and evacuate most of its pandas. Meanwhile the Panda Centre at Chengdu which was not affected by the quake has seen massive reductions in the number of visitors, which is starting to cause financial problems as its sole income is from the money taken at its gates.

It's been reported that the base received between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors a day before the quake, but has now dropped to between 30 and 50 visitors a day. Also the quake caused large areas of bamboo to be destroyed and locals who used to collect the bamboo are busy with post disaster work for themselves, causing the price of bamboo to increase. The base has had to decrease the amount given to pandas. They've also now turned the panda's air conditioner to a slightly higher temperature.

If you were planning a trip to see the pandas in Chengdu / Wolong check which Panda Centre it is before cancelling, or better don't cancel, change your plans to go the Pandas at Chengdu instead. The staff and pandas really need your support.