For many, encountering or interacting with a panda will forever remain a dream. One of the most popular animals in existence, it has been featured in every outlet possible, from legends to literature, and even modern media. But what makes these animals so unique?

A few million years ago, these clumsy balls of fur decided that hunting might be too much work, and – convinced that physical activity is not a forte – began to diversify their diet. Problem is, bamboo is not the most nourishing of foods, and pandas must eat from 12 to 16 hours a day to receive enough nutrition. But with a large appetite and lots of free time, bamboo stands no chance in front of the fluffy, burglar-looking bear. With barely any natural predators, and a strong affinity for naps, pandas enjoy a peaceful and low stress lifestyle, along with tumbling down hills, presumably towards an unsuspecting prey.

However, what this clumsy bamboo slayer lacks in natural skills, it compensates in cuteness, because that soft, squishy body is PERFECT for hugging, and with the help of Avanti Destinations, the dream has now become reality. At the China Conservation and Research Center – covering roughly 9 square miles of lovely scenic surroundings and bamboo forests located just outside of Chengdu – you can become a volunteer for a day and enjoy the privilege of hugging the cutest predator of them all. And – for safety and guaranteed squishiness – the panda will be an approximately one-year-old cub. Other activities include touring the base, feeding the pandas, and learning how to perform panda behavior research. At the end of the day, you will receive a Panda Husbandry Learner certificate, as recognition for your contribution.

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