Panda hand bone "under plexiglas" (plastic in vitro?) showing the
gripping bone is not an opposable thumb as in the primates.
I'm glad that I finally got to see the Panda bones that I read about
some years ago
with the docents right there to refresh my memory!
You can see how that gripping bone is used in this photo.
I am told this is a rare picture because baby Hua-Mei seldom nursed outside of the den. Baby Hua-Mei's name translated means China-USA
Rescued and cosmetically restored, he appears totally normal, and is able to smell food, but my understanding is that part of his chemosensory organs are impaired. Mammals, in general, are extremely dependant on their sense of smell.
The panda's living conditions are very specific they are very dependent on a vast range of bamboo forest. Bamboo which is a giant grass plant is their main food source.
The panda bear is an endangered species. At the zoo, Shi-Shi has been able to continue his life and even contribute to the gene pool.
