While visitors were historically able to hold a baby panda for a significant fee at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, this practice has been officially suspended and is no longer allowed. The policy change was implemented to protect the health and well-being of the pandas, as close contact with humans can cause them immense stress and expose them to diseases such as canine distemper. Currently, most reputable facilities, including the main Chengdu Panda Base and the Dujiangyan Panda Base, have strict "no-touch" policies. While some nearby locations like Dujiangyan or Wolong offer "Panda Keeper" volunteer programs where participants can clean enclosures and prepare food, these activities generally do not include holding, hugging, or direct physical contact with the animals. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy observing the pandas in their naturalistic habitats from a respectful distance to support ethical conservation efforts.