+kihae kwon did you watch the video? they train to assist in medical procedures. Bao's daddy Tian was demonstrating how he puts his arms out for shots or blood work, they can lay down for exams or ultrasounds (helpful when Mei Xiang, the mama panda, is pregnant), and touching a target is just a first step. it can teach the panda to focus on that rather than whatever else is going on that they may not like, it can teach them to follow in a certain direction which could get them out of danger if there's a problem, all sorts of things. it's not entertainment, and i don't think they ever even DO these things in front of people. (obviously for news crews and documentaries, but not on an average basis when visitors are there.) EVERYTHING has a purpose, and that purpose is ALWAYS for the benefit of the pandas. if they were not trained, they would need sedation for EVERY SINGLE THING the veterinarian did. drawing blood, exams, ultrasound, EVERYTHING would require sedation, which is dangerous for anyone, including pandas. in fact, one mistake or allergic reaction could kill an animal that is already so very endangered. of course there are times it is necessary to take that risk, but if they can train the pandas from birth how to assist in their own healthcare, why not?
