VIDEO: Jack Black Meets Real Kung Fu Panda Named Po
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- Category: Interviews
- Created: Tuesday, 15 February 2011 19:09
- Published: Tuesday, 15 February 2011 19:09
- Written by Lupe Haas
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The only giant panda cub born in the U.S. in 2010 has been named Po after the lead character in Kung Fu Panda 2 played by Jack Black. Jack Black got to meet the little guy at Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia Tuesday, February 15.
Seems like Kung Fu Panda star is scared of the little guy. Watch video and the photo gallery!
The announcement was made this morning by representatives from Zoo Atlanta and DreamWorks Animation, the official sponsor of the 100 Day Giant Panda Cub Celebration and the naming of Po. Actor Jack Black, who voiced the iconic character of Po the panda in Kung Fu Panda which grossed over $630 million at the worldwide box office and who will reprise his role in the upcoming sequel, was present for the naming of the newborn panda cub.
Giant pandas are among the worldís rarest mammals, with fewer than 1,600 believed to remain in the wild. The giant panda program at Zoo Atlanta supports conservation programs at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and in nature reserves in China.
In the Kung Fu Panda films, Po is an unlikely hero challenged by preconceived notions of what a kung fu warrior should be. Following the likeable but clumsy Po and his allies on a series of adventures, the films celebrate the power of self-worth and the ability of an individual to affect positive change.
These themes are equally fitting for the giant panda cub. He is an ambassador for his species, helping to draw attention to the plight of giant pandas in the wild. Born to Lun Lun on November 3, 2010, the 3-month-old now known as Po is already proving to be a great ambassador. Followed by thousands of fans on the world-famous PandaCam presented by EarthCam, the cub is expected to make his public debut in late March or early April.
View the PandaCam at www.zooatlanta.org/pandacam.