The May 12th 2008 earthquake epicenter was just a few miles from the Wolong Panda Center. Aftershocks continued for days. In one 24 hour period 178 aftershocks were monitored in the quake zone. There were approximately 70,000 deaths from the quake, 20,000 missing and 375,000 injured. 1.4 million quake survivors were evacuated.
Five staff members of the Wolong Nature Reserve were killed. One Giant Panda, Mao Mao was killed by the collapse of the exterior wall in her enclosure.
Xiao Xiao escaped from his enclosure and is still listed as “missing.” Another Giant Panda died following the earthquake when roads were blocked and he could not reach medical care.
Qing Qing was injured when her enclosure collapsed but was treated and is doing now doing well.
Wild Giant Pandas certainly died as a result of the earthquake but no estimates as to the number are available. Several Giant Pandas came down from the mountains in search of food. One wild Giant Panda has starved due to the destruction of the bamboo.
The consequences of the devastation to the bamboo as a result of the earthquake will continue for many years.
The earthquake dramatically increased the challenges for this already endangered species.
