12 tourists banned for life for inappropriate behavior while visiting pandas

CNN reported on June 20 that the research facility announced the ban on its WeChat social media account. The 12 people banned for life are between the ages of 26 and 61. These tourists threw bamboo shoots, lollipops, cigarettes, eggs or bread, and spat at the pandas' outdoor play area.

The facility said the people did not travel together, but that there were multiple instances of violations that occurred between April and June. The facility did not release the identities or nationalities of the tourists who were banned for life, adding that the pandas were healthy.

The facility is one of Chengdu’s most popular tourist attractions. Its website also posts instructions, advising visitors to remain quiet and stay away from the animals.

“Littering, spitting, throwing food in animal habitats and other acts that threaten animals are strictly prohibited,” the guidelines say. Those who fail to comply with the regulations may face sanctions, including warnings, a one-year, five-year or lifetime ban.

Established in 1987, the Chengdu research facility is responsible for recreating the habitat of giant pandas. In 2018, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) changed the giant panda's classification from "endangered" to "vulnerable." There are currently an estimated 1,800 pandas living in the wild, according to CNN.