Search for 'pambassadors' begins

The search for the latest batch of "pambassadors", whose mission is to promote panda protection worldwide, has begun.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is now accepting applications, offering training and a chance to get up close and personal with the animals.

People interested in being a pambassador can apply through Facebook or Tencent, a major Chinese website.

A list of the finalists will be released in late October, according to the research base’s website.

The three pambassadors will receive training at the research base to learn about pandas.

After the training, they will travel to countries that have pandas including the United States, Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Australia, to advocate the protection and reproduction of the animals.

The practice, themed the "global search for Chengdu pambassador 2012 launch ceremony", is being hosted by the research center, the Wildaid China, an NGO of wildlife aid, and the Yao Foundation, which is run by retired NBA basketball star Yao Ming.