About 75 percent of the total, or more than 1,200 wild pandas, are living in southwestern Sichuan, where the quake was centered.

The quake killed five staff in the Wolong center and left all the panda houses severely damaged. Of the total 32 panda houses, 14 were destroyed and the others were severely damaged.

The other pandas raised in the center, including 14 cubs born last year, were safe, said Xiong.

Staff workers take care of the panda cubs.

Jia had called on experts to research into plans so that these pandas could be properly evacuated. The central television had reported the giant pandas in the center were shocked in the powerful quake and became reluctant to move.

Local government has sent bamboo, apples, and veterinary medicine for the pandas, as well as food and the tents urgently needed by the staff of the center.

More than 60 pandas at another breeding center in Chengdu were reported safe after the quake. Another eight pandas at a preserve in Ya'an, about an hour's drive west of Chengdu, were reported safe as well.

The Wolong center is deep in the hills north of Chengdu along a winding, two-lane road that has been partially blocked by landslides.

Xiong called for panda lovers and volunteers to postpone their plans to visit Wolong recently as the food supply there was very limited.

"We appreciate their help, but there are more than 6,000 people, including villagers, tourists, rescuers and Wolong staff workers, are in Wolong and the food and water are limited," said Xiong.

The quake, centered on Wenchuan County in northeastern part of Sichuan, affected many parts of the country. More than 34,000 people were confirmed dead nationwide as of Monday noon, while the final death toll is expected to exceed 50,000.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)