The giant panda is a rare and beloved animal that is on the endangered animals list. There are less than an estimated 2,000 individuals are alive in the wild and they only live on the six major mountain ranges in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces of China. Because these cherished animals are facing extinction, there are entire research centers dedicated to saving the species.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is just one of those centers. Chengdu is the ancient home of the giant pandas, so it’s the perfect spot to study and help the animal. Working at a place like this would be so satisfying… and also adorable. These photos were taken from inside the center. To work here would be so many people’s dream job.

(H/T The Guardian)

A big factor in the decline of the giant panda population is human interaction. We are destroying and encroaching on their natural habitat. If you’d like to help save animals like the giant panda, donate to the World Wildlife Fund, an organization that “works in collaboration with existing conservation groups and to bring substantial financial support to the conservation movement on a worldwide scale.”

These giant furry creatures are truly wonderful. Share this story and help protect them from extinction.