A panda cub was captured munching on a discarded face mask at a sanctuary in southern China.

Video filmed in the city of Chengdu in Sichuan Province on March 22 shows a panda cub named Ke Nian biting a discarded face mask dropped by a tourist.

A woman was heard asking: "What is it eating? A face mask?"

Mother panda named Olympia then walked over to Ke Nian and took it away.

According to reports, tourists were heard shouting, "don't eat," to the panda cub.

A staff member at Chengdu Breeding Research Base took Ke Nian back to its enclosure, where a full check-up was conducted by veterinarians. No health problems were detected, and the cub is reported to be in good health.

The Chengdu Breeding Research Base has pledged to strengthen security patrols and enhance monitoring systems to ensure the safety and health of the giant pandas in their care.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

3月22日，成都大熊猫繁育研究基地，熊猫幼崽科念看到地上有游客丢进来的口罩，于是好奇走上前去捡起来，只见它闻了几下之后，就把口罩放在嘴里啃食。围墙外有游客看到，大喊“不要吃不要吃”，但科念都没有停嘴，后来一成年熊猫走过去才将熊猫幼崽带离。
对此，成都大熊猫繁育研究基地回应，3月22日上午，“科念”宝宝在运动场玩耍时啃咬的口罩，大熊猫“奥林匹亚”走过去将其带离了现场。饲养员发现后，立即将“科念”带回兽舍，会同兽医对它进行了全面的身体检查，并将有关杂物清理出了运动场。经查，“科念”身体健康无碍。我们也将持续关注“科念”的身体状况，确保它的健康与安全。
后续，熊猫基地将继续加强安保巡查工作，完善监控系统，确保监控全面覆盖动物居住区域，保障大熊猫的健康与安全。