Giant Panda Bear Day
About Giant Panda Day
When is Giant Panda Day? This holiday is always celebrated on March 16
Giant Panda Day is today. The Giant Panda Bear is one of the cutest, most adorable, and most loved animal on the planet. It’s a favorite stuffed animal of many kids and more than a few adults. So, it makes perfect sense that this special March 16 holiday exists in their honor.
The Giant Panda Bear is an endangered species. It is estimated that there are about 3,000 in existence in the wild. In addition, there are approximately 600 giant pandas in zoos and breeding facilities around the world. These lovable creatures are sometimes referred to as “beasts”. They are the symbol of the International World Wildlife Federation.
Did You Know? “Giant” was added to the name panda bear, to distinguish it from its cousin, the Red Panda. But, they are not related. Giant pandas are members of the bear (Ursidae) family, while red pandas are the only members of the “ailuridae” family.
The black and white giant panda bear is one of the most lovable of all animals, and is believed to have mystical powers. Giant pandas are native to China living in cool, wet, remote mountainous forests. Their favorite food is bamboo, spending up to 14 hours eating the leaves, stems, and roots. Fruit is also on their diet. Pandas are loners, except during the mating season. After mating, the female chases away the male and raises the cubs by herself. Their life span is 15 to 25 years.
How to Celebrate Giant Panda Day
On Giant Panda Bear Day, we are encouraged to:
- Go to the zoo to see pandas.
- Learn more about pandas.
- Buy panda stuffed animals for yourself or others.
- Support efforts to help this endangered species.
- Read a book about them.
- Grade schoolteachers, have the class draw pictures of panda bears in art class.
- Grow bamboo plants. You never know when a giant panda bear will stroll into your yard in search of a free meal.
Today's Quote
“Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – – Jack Benny
History and Origin of Giant Panda Day
We are so thankful that someone chose to make today Giant Panda Day.
We believe that this should be an “International” day, due to the popularity of panda bears. But, no one has suggested it. There is some reference to this day as a National day. However, we found no U.S. presidential proclamation or congressional decree making this a true U.S. national day. And, it doesn’t make intuitive sense to give a “National” tag to a U.S. holiday for a symbol of China. And, we did not find any mention of this as a National Day in China. Our lack of knowledge of Mandarin, the official language of China, makes it impossible for us to research Chinese websites about the origin of Giant Panda Bear Day.
We also did not find the creator of this special event, or exactly when it was first celebrated. It appears to have been around before 2000.
Definition of “National” Days – and learn why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
Further, in addition to today’s holiday, here are some of the things that happened on this day:
- Professor Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fuel rocket. (1926)
- General Motors produces their 100 millionth automobile, an Oldsmobile Tornonado. (1968)
- James Madison, the 4th U.S President, was born on this day in 1751.
Related Holidays and Articles
Additionally, people who like Giant Panda Day will also like:
More March 16 Holidays
Besides Giant Panda Day, here are more March 16 holidays we are sure you will enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in March. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous March Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for Giant Panda Day or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Flower of the Day: Black Eyed Susan
Recipe of the Day: Lettuce Soup
Holiday Insights, where every day in March is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to Giant Panda Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. March holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.