China's giant panda population has grown by some 60-percent over the past several decades. It was no easy task. Scientific research and environmental conservation efforts are largely behind the giant panda being removed from the endangered species list. Sean Callebs traveled to China's main panda breeding center in the southwestern city of Chengdu. 

Who doesn't love pandas? In many ways, they're as curious as they are cute. Few know more about them, than feeder – Yang Yamei. She's spent more than 20-years doing a job some boast they would do for free.

YANG YAMEI, Feeder, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding "Each panda has its own unique personality. We start caring for them at a very young age. Some pandas are quiet and calm, while others are more playful and mischievous. Their personalities are just like humans –each one different from the other."

They all look different too. There is the "brush ear", bird-shaped "eye ", the "hood", and the "vest" also vary in length.

SEAN CALLEBS Chengdu "There are more than 100 hundred pandas at this site, and there are several sites around Chengdu. But the big rock star here is Huahua. She hasn't shown herself yet today. Still all these people are waiting for a chance to wait three minutes to see if Huahua comes out. And, it is a two hour wait from here."

This is what they're waiting to see. Pandas eat, as much as 40-kilos of bamboo a day – so, catching her in the act is not that unusual. And, while Huahua can't be bothered, for many tourists –seeing her is like seeing the Beatles reunite.

LI RONGRONG, Tourist "I waited in line for a long time – then, I got really excited. I had seen some videos of her online a long time ago – and really wanted to come. When I arrived and saw her eating – I got even more excited."

And of course the first thing to do is to share photos on-line. Liu Zhonghua – drove 1,000 kilometers from Shanxi province to Chengdu to see, you guessed it.

LIU ZHONGHUA, Tourist "It's definitely worth it. Since everyone talks about it, and we came from far away just to see Huahua – we feel it is quite worthwhile."

SHEN FUJUN, Researcher, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding "You know the giant panda population is small – we need to manage it here, by sustaining the genetic diversity – that is very important."

Researcher Shen Fujun, says there are about 18-hundred pandas in the wild – DNA research, and data collecting is helping avoid animal in-breeding. Couple that with efforts to preserve the panda's natural habitat – and it equals a real success story.

SHEN FUJUN, Researcher, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding "In China, the giant panda is not only the symbol of China – another is its umbrella species – meaning, if we conserve the giant panda it also protects the ecological system the panda's habitats – many species benefit from this conservation strategy."

Ensuring the next generation of rock stars will be there for adoring fans all over the world. Sean Callebs, CGTN, Chengdu.