CHENGDU — In the lush enclosures of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 50-year-old researcher James Edward Ayala leans in to observe 2-year-old panda cub Rong Shuo, whose name translates to "Shining Chengdu".

With gentle precision, he measures the cub's paw size, part of a study tracking male pandas' development.

"I love working with him. … It's kind of symbolic of my relationship with the city," says Ayala, who has spent 15 years in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province.

For the US researcher, pandas aren't just animals; they're bridges between cultures, science and people.

Ayala, a recipient of China's prestigious friendship award and a torchbearer for the 2025 Chengdu World Games, embodies the global collaboration behind panda conservation.

His journey, from a New York zookeeper to a contributor in China's panda research, mirrors the species' transformation — from an endangered animal to a cross-border cultural ambassador.

When Ayala first arrived in China in 2010, giant pandas were classified as "endangered". Today, their status has improved to "vulnerable", with wild populations rebounding from 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900 last year, according to data released at the Global Panda Partners 2024 conference.

China's efforts, including the launch of the Giant Panda National Park, are massive milestones for conservation, and it shows how committed the government is to conserving its wildlife, he says, noting the Chinese government's increasing funding in research, national parks, and agreements to United Nations regulations regarding environmental laws.

Today, 757 pandas thrive in global breeding programs, and this progress isn't confined to China. "Conservation to me is no longer the responsibility of a single country," says Ayala, citing international cooperation between the Chengdu base, the US National Zoo and Japan's Adventure World as vivid examples.

"We have great relations with our partners. We exchange scientists and benefit from different aspects of conservation work."

Pandas transcend cultures, according to Ayala. He recalls a recent tour he led for German athlete Marcel Hassemeier, a multiple World Games champion and fellow torchbearer for the Chengdu World Games. Hassemeier spent hours discussing panda anatomy and physiology with Ayala.

"It's interesting to see celebrities drawn to the science behind the cuteness," says the researcher.

Li Desheng, chief expert at China's Giant Panda Conservation Research Center, echoes this sentiment: "Giant pandas are one of China's best business cards. Overseas netizens know them intimately and dream of visiting Sichuan to see them."

Beyond their diplomatic role, pandas have spawned a vibrant ecosystem spanning tourism, cultural creativity and innovation. Chengdu's panda base draws 10 million annual visitors, fueling a bustling local industry, from panda-shaped pastries to high-tech souvenirs.

Hua Hua, a cub beloved for her endearing clumsiness, has 564,000 followers on Sina Weibo. Her lifelike dolls sell for 1,000 yuan ($139) each, with sales surpassing 3,000 units.

Xinhua