Pix: When I saw a Giant Panda for the first time!

The Giant Panda Conservation Centre in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur is home to more than one panda.
Photographs and text: Divya Nair/Rediff.com

Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia recently opened its Giant Panda Conservation Centre to visitors.

The air conditioned glass enclosure which is designed to resemble their natural habitat houses three Giant Pandas.

Some pictures from the Conservation Centre.

They look just like bears, except for the white and black patches. The first time I saw them I wanted to go closer and probably hug and cuddle them.

One of the pandas had finished eating and another was off to sleep.

Pandas are mostly herbivores and feast on bamboo. But they are occasionally known to eat fish, depending on the habitat and need for survival.

Just like elephants, they eat a lot and for as long as half a day. 

They might look fluffy and cute, but according to the zoo authorities, they weigh as much as over 100 kilos.

Sadly, pandas are listed among endangered species. According to World Wild Life, that works towards preservation of wildlife species, there are only 1,864 pandas in the wild.