If you were wondering when these black and white bears picked up Cantonese and the ability to walk on their hind legs, you'll be reassured to know that these pictures are part of the Hetaoping panda costume project. In other words, the walking furry figures are in fact human.
Carried out within the Sichuan Wolong National Nature Reserve at the Hetaoping Research and Conservation Center, the intention of the undertaking is to support the endangered Giant Panda population. The Hetaoping panda costume project exposes young cubs to panda-like mentors that will ease them into their own community when they integrate back into the wild.
Costumed Cub Carers
The Hetaoping Panda Costume Project Prepares the Young for Release
Trend Themes
1. Costumed Cub Carers - Opportunity for innovative costume design and development to support animal conservation efforts.
2. Educational Animal Costumes - Potential for educational institutions and wildlife organizations to create engaging programs using animal-themed costumes to promote learning and environmental awareness.
3. Human-animal Interaction - Emerging trend in using human-animal interaction techniques, such as costume-wearing, to facilitate the rehabilitation and integration of endangered species.
Industry Implications
1. Costume Design and Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating specialized costumes for wildlife conservation initiatives.
2. Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries - Opportunity for zoos and wildlife sanctuaries to implement similar programs using human-animal interaction methods to prepare endangered species for release.
3. Education and Environmental Awareness - Potential for educational institutions and environmental organizations to incorporate animal-themed costumes into their programs to foster learning and promote conservation efforts.