3. The life span of giant pandas in the wild is approximately 20 years. Captive pandas may live to be 25-30 years old. Giant pandas are on the brink of extinction, with just over 1,000 pandas left in the world. Scientists are hoping to increase the wild panda population to 5,000 by 2025. Pandas have sometimes been seen rolling down slopes. While they may be playing, they may also be trying to dislodge twigs from their fur. Giant pandas have evolved a unique “thumb” which they use to hold bamboo stalks. This thumb is actually a modified wrist bone. Three interesting facts about pandas

4. It has been illegal to kill pandas in China since the 1960s, but the laws were not enforced strictly. In 1987, the laws were strengthened to increase punishment from two years to a life sentence or even death. Today the punishment is less severe: 10-20 years in prison.

5. Size: two to three feet tall Weight: up to 250 pounds Color: black and white fur What it eats: bamboo Were it lives: giant panda live in China Predators: jackals, snow leopards, yellow martens

9. Giant Pandas are the most popular type of pandas.