Littleton / Colorado / United States
In 1999, after a trip to China and the Wolong Panda Center, the sight and plight of the Giant Panda made such a dramatic impression on Suzanne Braden and Diane Rees that upon returning to the United States, they co-founded Pandas International to help save this magnificent animal. In 2000, tax exempt status was granted by the Internal Revenue Service and Pandas International became a registered 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non profit. Pandas International is unique in that it is exclusively devoted to the Giant Panda, unlike other organizations, which serve many animals. As the Director of Pandas International, Ms. Braden coordinates both the annual and immediate needs of the Panda Centers. The personal relationships she has developed with Chinese officials, veterinarians and their staff members have allowed Pandas International to maximize its role in preserving this beloved species. Following the 2008 earthquake which destroyed the Wolong Panda Center and damaged the bamboo forest in the Nature Reserve, the challenge to save the Giant Panda has been made more difficult. Without intervention, this species could perish. The mission of Pandas International, a non profit organization, is to ensure the preservation and propagation of the endangered Giant Panda by providing public awareness and education, research funding, habitat preservation and enhancement, and assistance to the China Conservation & Research Centers for the Giant Panda ( CCRCGP ).
