Main content

Panda express: Why does China send pandas around the world?

Only a lucky few get to have them in their zoos.

For decades China has used pandas as a way to improve diplomatic relations with other countries. Now, China鈥檚 Premier has offered Australia two, to replace the zoo's existing pandas. 麻豆社 Sydney Correspondent Katie Watson explains.

We also speak to the 麻豆社鈥檚 Jack Lau in Hong Kong about China鈥檚 history of panda diplomacy and the significance of the animal to the country.

And we hear from Katharina Marie Sperling, who is the Head of Wildlife Conservation Program at Berlin Zoo, about the costs involved in keeping them and their characteristics.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Josh Jenkins, Mora Morrison and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde

Available now

11 minutes

Last on

Thu 20 Jun 2024 02:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Wed 19 Jun 2024 17:50GMT
  • Thu 20 Jun 2024 02:50GMT

Podcast