Giant Panda cub

A giant panda cub playing. They're so funny... ^_^

(Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Ursidae)
The giant panda is probably the most recognizable animal in the world. They are rare nowadays, being in great danger of extinction.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of the branches, stems and leaves of over 30 bamboo species. They can reach 2 m in body length and 125 Kg in weight (the females are usually smaller).
Their most distinctive characteristic is their paw with six digits. The wrist bone is extended, forming an opposable thumb for holding bamboo.

Reference: Breiter, M. 2005. Bears: a year in the life. Firefly Book Ltd., New York.

In my opinion, one of the funniest animals there is. And also one of the laziest, for they sit down under the shadows of a tree... lean back... and calmly eat their bamboo... ^_^

Photo: Wien Tiergarten, Vienna, Austria. July-08.