The Brutal Reality of Panda Breeding

Panda breeding has been highlighted as one of the biggest conservation success stories: US and Chinese scientists are working together to increase the number of pandas released into the wild. But a New York Times investigation found that they have only succeeded in creating more pandas for zoos. Pandas have been injured in the process, and at least one has been killed. Mara Hvistendahl, The Times’ investigative reporter focusing on Asia, explains that the records, photos and videos – many of them from the Smithsonian Institution Archives – provide a detailed, untold history of the program.