Cao Long, a researcher at the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology, said that it is not yet possible to conclude that Emperor Wendi or Empress Bo had a special preference for giant pandas. “Based on the current number of subsidiary pits and the identified animal species, it still appears to be a royal garden feature, rather than being specifically buried with giant pandas due to personal preference,” he said.
Besides the giant panda, the remains of other rare animals were found in the burial pits, including tiger, tapir, Indian wild buffalo, oryx, serow, and yak remains, which reflects the belief in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) that people will live a life in the underworld similar to when they were alive, according to the report.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 