Chinese government steps in after hotel uses Red Pandas to wake up guests

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As a gaming enthusiast, I’d be the last one to support any action that could potentially harm our beloved virtual creatures, let alone real ones! The fuss recently was about a hotel in China using Red Pandas – an endangered species – as wake-up calls for guests, and that raised quite a stir. Thankfully, the authorities have intervened, putting a halt to this questionable practice.

As a gamer, I’ve got to clarify something that might surprise you – Red Pandas aren’t actually kin to those black-and-white critters you often see. Instead, they share more similarities with raccoons, weasels, and their ilk. These furry friends call the high-altitude forests of Myanmar, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and China home.

In the wild, their population is decreasing rapidly, making them a more endangered species… however, this didn’t deter one Chinese hotel from exploiting them as a guest attraction.

Located in southwest China, the Lehe Ledu Liangjiang Hotel is a luxurious five-star property that had an extraordinary feature – for around $280 to $450 USD, guests could be awakened by a charming Red Panda.

It’s been said that these early-morning phone calls became quite trendy within families having small kids, swiftly spreading across Chinese social media platforms, with users sharing clips of these charming creatures leaping onto beds to get rewards like treats and pats on the head.

Though it may appear unconventional for many hotels, the Lehe Ledu Liangjiang stands out by incorporating a wildlife sanctuary. One of its distinct aspects is allowing visitors to come in close contact with various animals.

After the Red Pandas from the establishment gained control over the network, officials intervened to halt the operation.

Chinese government steps in to halt hotel’s Red Panda attraction

According to the South China Morning Post, an official from Chongqing’s Forestry Department has suspended the Red Panda wake-up service in a hotel on June 17, and the matter is now being investigated.

During a chat with Beijing News Radio, a professor from Beijing Forestry University clarified that the legal status of this particular service is unclear. The staff members also mentioned that visitors should avoid prolonged interactions with the pandas, as these encounters are generally confined to brief periods.

According to the South China Morning Post, some visitors allegedly suffered bites from the Red Pandas. For instance, a gentleman got nipped on his lap when he was interacting with one of these creatures.

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So far, China is home to approximately 6,000 to 7,000 Red Pandas, a species classified as Class II protected within the country. As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global population of these pandas in their natural habitat is believed to be fewer than 10,000 individuals.

The Chinese Wildlife Protection Law forbids activities such as selling, buying, or using protected wildlife, however, exceptions are made in certain establishments, like zoos and rehabilitation centers, where these animals may be displayed for educational purposes.

As a passionate admirer, I’d like to share some fascinating facts about the adorable Red Pandas. Being predominantly night owls, they tend to be shy by nature. Remarkably, they can snooze for as long as 17 hours daily, much like our feline companions at home. Their primary diet is made up of bamboo stalks, but these charming creatures are not just vegetarians; they occasionally surprise us with a quick catch of small birds or rodents.

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2025-06-27 20:48