Panda Discovery Day

What Is Panda Discovery Day?

March 11th is "Panda Discovery Day." On March 11, 1869, in western Sichuan Province, China (today's Baoxing County), French missionary and naturalist Armand David was shown the black-and-white pelt of an unusual animal by a local hunter. This led to the giant panda becoming known to the Western world. Note that calling this day "Panda Discovery Day" is a Japanese custom; it is not a "discovery" date in a scientific sense.

The Historic Discovery

David's report drew great interest from European scientists.

• Reported as a "black-and-white bear": David believed the animal was a kind of bear and sent a specimen to the Natural History Museum in Paris. Scientists long debated whether it belonged with bears, raccoons, or a separate panda family, but molecular and other studies have placed it in the bear family (Ursidae).
• Naming the species: In 1870, French zoologist Alphonse Milne-Edwards studied the specimen, and the scientific name Ailuropoda melanoleuca came into use—from ancient Greek words for "cat foot" and "black and white."

Fascinating Facts About Pandas

• The origin of the name: The name "panda" was originally used for the red panda, which became known to the West first. The larger animal was called the "giant panda," and as it grew famous, "panda" came to mean the giant panda. One theory traces the word to a Nepali term meaning "bamboo eater."
• Tiny newborns: While adult pandas can weigh over 100 kg, newborn cubs weigh only about 100–200 grams—just a tiny fraction of their mother's weight.
• Why pandas don't hibernate: Unlike other bears, giant pandas do not hibernate; one reason is thought to be that their main food, bamboo, is available year-round.
• The color of their tail: Panda illustrations often show a black tail, but in reality, a panda's tail is white.
• A symbol of peace: The panda used as the logo for the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) created in 1961, is said to have been modeled on "Chi-Chi," a panda then living at the London Zoo.

Unassuming Charm That Brings Smiles to the World

Panda Discovery Day is a day to look back on how an animal from remote mountains became known to the world. The panda's monochrome pattern and its calm, unhurried way of munching on bamboo remind those of us living busy lives of the importance of living at our own pace. On March 11th, why not adopt some of that easygoing panda spirit and pay attention to the small wonders and quiet joys around you? Your own unique personality might just be someone else's wonderful discovery.

Ways to Enjoy Panda Discovery Day

• Watch a panda livestream or browse photos of pandas and let their adorable mannerisms relax you
• Learn about the history of pandas and their recovery from endangered status (now classified as "vulnerable") to deepen your interest in conservation
• Wear something in black and white, or enjoy a panda-themed sweet treat, for a little playful fun
• Follow the panda's example of "eating slowly and sleeping well," and take time to rest

Black-and-White Charm That Draws People In

Just as pandas are loved across borders, unpretentious kindness can put people at ease. May today be a peaceful day for you.