December 2011 Animal News–1: Smithsonian National Zoo and Pandas

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park has announced a five-year, $4.5 million gift from David M. Rubenstein to help fund its panda program.

The gift will be used to fund conservation efforts in China, reproductive science, professional training programs, giant panda care and upgrades to panda habitats at the zoo, and public education. In addition, young conservation biologists in the United States and China who are awarded National Zoo fellowships for their work to save the endangered species will be named David M. Rubenstein Fellows. In recognition of the gift, the giant panda complex will be named the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.

The gift will enable a scientific team from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and the zoo’s animal care team to proceed with a five-year plan developed with Chinese colleagues from the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The plan focuses on the creation and impact of corridors linking fragmented habitats to benefit giant pandas and other species; the restoration of panda habitat, especially in regions where pandas appear to be making a comeback; the potential impact of transmissible diseases on giant panda populations and other species; and continued research on giant panda reproduction and management.

“Giant Panda Habitat Named for Donor David M. Rubenstein.” Smithsonian Institution Press Release 12/19/11.

Source: Philanthropy News Digest