ANYTHING related to pandas can make headlines in the Chinese media, as this cute animal holds a special place in the hearts of the nation. Quite a few tourists were warned or barred from entering a panda sanctuary in Sichuan Province due to uncivilized behavior during the May Day holiday, the China Daily reported. Actions that triggered the penalties included throwing items like candy wrappers or bottled water at pandas. Others were punished because they failed to keep children well-behaved, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding stated. One 65-year-old was even banned from visiting the sanctuary for life after she threw into an outdoor space a corncob, which was unfortunately eaten by a panda. “The panda didn’t exhibit abnormal symptoms,” the sanctuary later assured fans in a post on its WeChat account. Another 38-year-old woman subject to the boycott was found throwing bamboo shoots into an outdoor rest area for adult pandas Tuesday, the sanctuary said. And a 55-year-old woman was caught throwing candy wrappers into the area the same day. In both cases, the staff immediately removed the items before any harm could be done, and immediately admonished the perpetrators. Both women have been issued a one-year ban. Others were penalized for failing to rule their children. The sanctuary also said a 37-year-old man helped a child climb over a fence and threw a bottle of water into an outdoor space for adult pandas. He was banned from visiting for a year. Another child threw plastic bottles into the area, leading to his caretaker, a 29-year-old woman, being given a “serious warning.” “Since it was the minor’s first breach, they only received a warning. If a child misbehaves again, both they and their guardians will be banned for a year,” the sanctuary said. On Saturday, after the conclusion of the May Day holiday, a 42-year-old woman was banned from visiting the park for a year after her child was about to throw potato chip packets into an area inhabited by young pandas before being stopped by staffers. The woman was also required to sign a written promise to behave in a civilized manner on future visits after the ban expires. “The park management reminds the public once again to follow regulations, respect the animals and rule their children while visiting the park. Crossing the fences to enter the pandas’ enclosure can be dangerous,” the sanctuary warned. In captivity, the pandas’ diets are closely monitored to ensure that the animals stay healthy. This usually involves supplementing bamboo with other nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and specially made supplements. (China Daily) | 