Holding or hugging a giant panda is no longer permitted at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding or other major facilities in the region. While some centers previously offered "panda holding" photo opportunities for a significant fee, these programs have been suspended, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, to prioritize animal welfare and prevent the transmission of diseases. Experts note that such interactions cause the pandas immense stress and can have serious health consequences. Today, the closest interactions available to the public are highly regulated "volunteer keeper" programs, which may include cleaning enclosures, preparing bamboo, and supervised feeding through the bars of a pen, but even these do not allow for physical contact or holding. Visitors are encouraged to observe the pandas in their semi-natural habitats from a safe distance, as the focus has shifted entirely toward conservation and professional care.