
The world’s first plastinated panda was recently exhibited at a museum in Chengdu for popularization of science, Science and Technology Daily reported on April 27.

The panda, known as “Xinni’er,” died of duodenal ileus in February 2016. The Mystery of Life Museum worked with the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas to make the specimen, which took almost one year, said Sui Hongjin, founder of the museum.
Wu Jun, director of the museum, explained that this plastination technique was used to preserve bodies or body parts. Water and fat are replaced with plastic, creating specimens that can be touched, and which don’t decay or smell, whilst keeping most of their original properties.
The technology is more advanced than traditional taxidermy which only preserves the fur and skin of a creature, as this way the bones, muscles and internal organs of the panda have also been preserved.
This specimen can be used to reveal structural features of the creature during its evolution and acclimatization, according to Wu.
Wu added that the specimen produced using such technology can theoretically be preserved for almost 1,000 years.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses