Top 10 Countries with the Most Panda Population (2025)

Largest panda population: The giant panda is one of the world’s most iconic and vulnerable species. Known for its distinctive black-and-white coat and bamboo-based diet, the panda is native to China but is now part of global conservation efforts. Due to international breeding programmes and protected reserves, the global panda population has been rising. Below is a detailed list of the top 10 countries with the most panda populations in 2025, including their estimated numbers, major panda breeding centres, and conservation achievements.

Top 10 Countries with the Most Pandas Population (2025)

1. China 

China has the highest panda population in the world, with more than 1,860 wild pandas and around 700 in captivity. Most pandas are found in the bamboo forests of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces, which are ideal habitats. China’s conservation programs, such as the Wolong Panda Reserve and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, are leading global panda preservation and breeding initiatives.

2. United States 

The United States has about 12 pandas in captivity, housed in major zoos like the Smithsonian National Zoo and Zoo Atlanta. Through partnerships with China, the U.S. plays a significant role in panda research, breeding, and public education. These programs have contributed to increasing global panda numbers and improving panda care standards.

3. Japan 

Japan is home to around 10 pandas, mainly in the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo and Adventure World in Wakayama. The country is known for advanced captive breeding programs and research on panda behavior and reproduction. Japanese zoos focus on habitat simulation, genetic diversity, and nutrition, making them a model for panda breeding worldwide.

4. United Kingdom 

The United Kingdom hosts about 4 pandas at the Edinburgh Zoo, where extensive research is conducted on panda reproduction and behaviour. The UK’s contribution to panda studies and habitat preservation helps improve conservation practices and ensure the survival of the species.

5. France 

France has about 4 pandas, primarily at the ZooParc de Beauval, a key centre for panda breeding in Europe. France has successfully achieved panda births in captivity, contributing to global conservation goals and strengthening cooperation with China.

6. South Korea 

South Korea houses 2 pandas at the Everland Zoo, focusing on conservation, breeding, and public education. Collaborative efforts with China emphasise genetic diversity and research on panda health, reproduction, and habitat requirements.

7. Malaysia 

Malaysia is home to 2 pandas at the National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur, part of a long-term loan agreement with China. Malaysia’s efforts focus on panda health, nutrition, and public awareness, highlighting the country’s growing role in global panda protection.

8. Thailand

Thailand hosts 2 pandas at the Chiang Mai Zoo, where successful breeding and habitat simulation have taken place. Research in Thailand focuses on reproductive science and panda behavior, contributing to regional conservation knowledge.

9. Singapore

Singapore has 2 pandas at the River Wonders Zoo, where efforts focus on public education, breeding research, and improving understanding of panda ecology. Singapore’s programs show the importance of education in conservation strategies.

10. Mexico 

Mexico is home to 2 pandas at the Chapultepec Zoo, one of the first zoos outside China to achieve natural panda breeding. Mexico’s programme has provided valuable data on panda biology and has contributed to global breeding research.

Interesting Facts About Pandas

1. Panda Population Growth

The global panda population has increased from about 1,000 in the 1980s to around 2,600 in 2025 (wild and captive combined). This growth is the result of coordinated international conservation programmes.

2. Importance of Captive Breeding

Captive breeding centres in China, the United States, Japan, and other countries have played a vital role in increasing panda numbers and maintaining genetic diversity.

3. Natural Habitat Preservation

Bamboo forests in Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu are essential panda habitats. Habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change remains one of the biggest threats to wild panda populations.

Read more: Top 10 Countries with the Most Rhino Population (2025)