My fellow Offender Anson recently wrote about traveling through China with his buddy, including a tour that allows tourists to hug a panda for $120:
Is this really a good idea? I know pandas look cuddly and adorable and all of that shit, but they are bears and they can be deadly. According to no less an authority than the Smithsonian National Zoological Park: “Many people find these chunky, lumbering animals to be cute, but giant pandas can be as dangerous as any other bear.”
What this means is that pandas can fuck you up as badly as a grizzly can. For proof, check out these news stories here and here to see what these allegedly gentle giants can do. Or better yet, check out these videos:
So next time you decide that $120 is a small price to pay to get a cool picture of you hugging a panda, consider Photoshop as a safer alternative. It won’t cost you nearly as much and there’s no danger of your computer giving you a severe mauling.
i think people mistakenly think Pandas are cute and cuddly because of what they see in animated movies. also, i think China exploited the fact that this half white half black bear was indigenous only to China’s territories and wanted to create a brand association with China and panda bear. Obviously China could not publicize it’s devilish nature, only it’s most noble and cuddly qualities. as a result, most of us only get to know a panda’s bad/ugly side when it’s too late. kinda like tiger woods…
Despite all the dangerous Panda talk…the Panda in the top picture looks incredibly happy and friendly, hah.
My other friend has taken a digital photoshop picture w a panda in Thailand for $10. Not even close to the same thing. But then again, when it comes to wild animals, I would never let fate decide…unless its was on some drugs.
“Aiyo!!!” LOL, crazy Chinois….
if i didn’t know French, i’d challenge Anderson to a gentleman’s duel…
Yeah, I did mention in the previous post that pandas aren’t as friendly looking. They are Godless killing machines with slanted eyes, the number one threat to China.
On a more serious note, Photoshop still doesn’t compare with the real thing. Of course, I’d prefer if the panda cub I was holding was the size of a poodle instead of a mastiff.
Jack Black will maul you too.
holy crap, I never realized the brand association thing with the panda! Nice observation, Roger.
They are going to charge that man with criminal charges after the panda bit both of his legs. pretty harsh. having a long road to walking again and going to court. that’s gotta suck!