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Play with the Pandas: Hugs and Kisses for Everyone!

by Neil Woodburn on Jun 28th 2007 at 6:44AM

Okay, I fell for it. On the cover of the newest Budget Travel (July/August), a sticker promises "the cutest story we've ever run." And it's about hugging pandas.

So, I turned to page 24 expecting to gag over the cuteness and you know what? I was won over and succumbed to that rarely seen soft side which we men like to keep hidden away.

The story is about the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda that is located in the Wolong Nature Reserve near Chengdu in China. According to Joshuah Bearman, all one needs to do is pay $130 and the staff opens up a gate and lets tourists come in to play with the pandas. Apparently the cubs are like puppy dogs and the pleasure derived is a land version of swimming with the dolphins.

Tourists can also pay $33 a day to volunteer at the center and interact with the Pandas for longer periods of time. And even hug one, if they really want. Just don't come between a cub and its mother. Then it won't be such a cute story after all.

Filed under: China

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