Rare panda cub found dead at D.C. zoo

**Rocko9** · 2012-09-24, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by Kalyyn

Anyone else ever get the feeling that evolution just gave up on pandas? I mean, when it gets to the point where another species has to come in and force them to have sex, and then 90% of the babies die anyway, it really seems like pandas aren't long for this world.

Eh, it's just nature. Species come and go, eventually, humans will too. If a species is almost done with and isn't adapting, just let it go.

**Powerogue** · 2012-09-24, 10:43 PM

Meanwhile multiple humans found dead, news decided this was more interesting.

I get that they're cute and endangered, but we obsess about pandas a lot more than they really deserve as a species that won't screw to save their lives.

**Felfury** · 2012-09-24, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by Powerogue

Meanwhile multiple humans found dead, news decided this was more interesting.

I get that they're cute and endangered, but we obsess about pandas a lot more than they really deserve as a species that won't screw to save their lives.

Keep in mind there are 7 billion humans, if you were to attach an individual value to the average person based on rarity, it would be far lower than a panda.

**Fuzzzie** · 2012-09-24, 10:48 PM

Must have decided to go alliance.. :P

Joking aside, it's sad

**Laize** · 2012-09-24, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by Wells

Conservation is a lot of work. If you're looking for someone to blame you might as well get it right.

My time is useless to conservation efforts. I know nothing about biology beyond what I learned in High School. I'd just get in the way. So, instead, I can donate to nonprofits that DO have the expertise to do what needs to be done.

**poser765** · 2012-09-25, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by Laize

People seem to think we need to save the Pandas. Why? I have no idea. "They're cute" is the best reason I can come up with.

And that's a seriously bad reason.

The California Condor is critically endangered but no one gives 2 shits about its conservation because it's ugly and eats carrion.

The only ones who care about it are Native American tribes who lobbied the US government to save it.

That's why I hate the fucking Panda. It's proof of Man's vain belief that we can save or kill off entire species... but we only care when we LIKE the species in question.

I used to think the same way when I was younger. I've since lost some of my angst and have to say you are wrong. There are plenty of groups out there working to repopulate various species of endangered condors. There are many agencies out there trying to save MANY different species that are on the verge of extinction. I can guarantee you that they are doing it not because they are cute, but because it is rather tragic to see a species destroyed because of us when we had the power to do something about it.

Look at the dodo. Plenty of people seem to lament the extinction of that ugly ass bird.

---------- Post added 2012-09-25 at 12:32 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Powerogue

Meanwhile multiple humans found dead, news decided this was more interesting.

I get that they're cute and endangered, but we obsess about pandas a lot more than they really deserve as a species that won't screw to save their lives.

The difference is multiple humans found dead really does nothing to us as a species. Pandas on the other hand have pretty much lost the war of atrition. When of of them die it's a pretty tough blow for the species as a whole. It's all about perspective.

**Stir** · 2012-09-25, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by Temporary Poster

That wouldn't have happened if humans weren't such fucking jerks in the 1st place. This isn't Man spitting in the face of nature, this is Man trying to fix what he broke.

Ehm... While humans are to blame for a lot of things, the rarity of pandas isn't one of them.
Think about it: Humans never told them it's a bad idea to not have sex. Humans never told them that they are only allowed to eat a single kind of bamboo even though all the other kinds of bamboo are completely edible for that species. Humans never told them it's a good idea to stop wandering. Humans never told them cannibalism is good, and humans never told them it's better to die than to get off your hindquarters.
Add to that that, apparently, pandas are disgusting enough for humans and tigers not to want to eat them unless they're really badly starving, and you really can't blame humans for the demise of pandas. Or tigers.

At least in this case, we're innocent.

It's still sad that the cub died, but to be honest: Human child dying is a lot more sad... Because unlike pandas, humans are actually trying to alter their lifestyles and progress.

**Blockygame** · 2012-09-25, 12:44 AM

Pandas are notoriously poor at caring for their young.

**Ashnazg** · 2012-09-25, 01:09 AM

Originally Posted by Powerogue

Meanwhile multiple humans found dead, news decided this was more interesting.

I get that they're cute and endangered, but we obsess about pandas a lot more than they really deserve as a species that won't screw to save their lives.

Like others have said, human deaths are just a drop in a bucket. Do you care about them? I don't. I don't care about individual deaths, and even a few dozen would hardly be enough to cause me to lift an eyebrow.

Pandas, and other similar endangered animals though..that's kind of a bigger deal.

**vizzle** · 2012-09-25, 02:23 AM

Smells like homicide.

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