This photo taken on May 28, 2021 shows brown giant panda Qizai at a newly opened science park dedicated to the protection of wild animals in Zhouzhi County of Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (LI YIBO / XINHUA)

XI'AN - The world's only captive brown giant panda, nicknamed "Qi Zai," met the public for the first time on Friday, during the trial operation of a science park in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

According to panda experts, brown pandas could be the result of genetic mutations or atavism and further study is needed on the topic

Covering an area of over 28 hectares, the science park is located in Zhouzhi County at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains. It aims to protect and popularize four rare animal species of the mountains, namely giant panda, crested ibis, golden monkey and takin.

ALSO READ: Surveillance video captures fierce panda brawl

The world's first brown panda was discovered in 1985 in the Qinling Mountains. All recorded photographs of wild brown pandas were taken in the area.

This photo taken on May 28, 2021 shows brown giant panda Qizai at a newly opened science park dedicated to the protection of wild animals in Zhouzhi County of Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (LI YIBO / XINHUA)

The Qinling giant panda is a subspecies of giant panda first recognized in 2005. It has a smaller and rounder skull, shorter snout and less fur than the more familiar Sichuan subspecies.

READ MORE: Giant panda Xiang Xiang's return 'postponed again due to virus'

According to panda experts, brown pandas could be the result of genetic mutations or atavism and further study is needed on the topic.