Adventure World in Wakayama, Japan, celebrates a major milestone in giant panda conservation with the publication of the photographic book entitled “Towards life, beyond life”. The volume traces the successes and challenges of the historic Sino-Japanese collaboration on’giant panda breeding. A project officially launched in 1994 and still of great international importance.
Japan publishes photo book: Sino-Japanese collaboration on giant panda breeding
The book documents 30 years of scientific and management progress, starting with the arrival of the pandas at Adventure World. Yong Ming e Rong Bang in September 1994, the symbolic date of the beginning of official cooperation between China and Japan. Since then, the park has successfully bred 17 giant pandas, demonstrating an exemplary model of captive conservation and international cooperation, with 13 pandas returned to China to strengthen native populations.
Unique content to celebrate three decades of conservation
The photographic volume stands out for its wealth of materials. From the evocative photographs by Japanese artist Yoshitaro Kototsuka, who portrayed the female giant panda "Liang Bang" on the cover, to daily accounts, interviews with former keepers, and drawings by the park staff, these documents carefully trace the evolution of breeding techniques and the daily lives of the pandas.
The future of the panda family at Adventure World
Adventure World is currently home to giant pandas Liang Bang, Jie Bang, Cai Bang e Feng Bang, which represent the beating heart of the project. Hasegawa Honami, spokesperson for the park, emphasized the importance of public support in celebrating this anniversary.“The panda family continues to grow, with more than 20 cubs born since our pandas' return to China. We hope this book can share the miracle and hope built over three decades of commitment.“