Sichuan's Panda Cubs Enjoy First Sunbathe

Twelve panda cubs were brought outside for the first time last week to get some sunshine in southwest China.

The famous Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center was packed with tens of thousands of tourists who came to see the rare animals during their week-long national holiday.

The 12 little pandas basked under the sun, with breeders attending to their every need.

Breeder Mei Yan said that because the young were born at different times to several mothers, they often got confused.

[Mei Yan, Panda Breeder]:
"We have made some mistakes, such as taking the baby to the wrong mother. But pandas are gentle – they accept any baby and take care of them."

The oldest of the panda cubs was born on July 24, and already weighs 8 lbs – 23 times its weight at birth.

[Mei Yan, Panda Breeder]:
"Look, he will just lift his head back and let you stroke him. Just like this."

The 12 new cubs brings the number of giant pandas at the centre to 108.

Considered a national treasure, the panda is seen as having come back from the brink of extinction although it still remains under threat from logging, agriculture and China's increasing human population.