Zhang Hemin (Father of the panda) who is the head of China Conservation and Research Centre of the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), has been talking to the Chinese Network (not sure if it's a radio program or station) about the earthquake on May 12th 2008, the effects on the pandas and the current and future plans.

Zhang praised the bravery of the staff during the earthquake in saving the pandas and the tourists who were there at the time. Luckily no people were seriously hurt at the time at the centre but one panda died and one is still missing, presumably dead.

He says that the pandas saved and moved from Wolong have made a good recovery both physically and mentally.

Plans are in full force in rebuilding the centre but in a different location, as the original site is considered too dangerous to rebuild upon. The new centre will be much bigger and provide more services to the pandas, including large areas for growing bamboo, a breading centre, larger enclosures for pandas living at the centre and a new area where pandas can be trained so they can be returned to the wild.

The building of the new centre will also provide benefits to the local population with schools and health facilitates, but does mean that around 1,000 people will have to move home. Zhang Hemin passes on his thanks to the people who are giving up their homes for the benefit of the pandas.

Funding:
State financial investment. 2.7 Million Yuan
Provincial investment. 2.45 billion Yuan
Hong Kong 1.4 Billion Yuan
Other provinces 1.5 - 1.7 Million Yuan
So the budget is very big.