Guest guest Posted April 26, 2004 Report Share Posted April 26, 2004 http://china.scmp.com/chimain/index.html South China Morning Post 26th April 2004 Two Pandas on Ocean Park Wish List by Carrie Chan They were Beijing's post-handover " precious gift " to Hong Kong, luxuriating in an HK$80 million home, feted by thousands of fans and adored by visiting mainland dignitaries. But with Jia Jia and An An lumbering towards their twilight years, a new generation is needed to follow the childless panda couple. Ocean Park wants two baby pandas and has asked the Home Affairs Bureau for the government's help to secure a gift it dubbed " one country, four pandas " . Jia Jia is nearly 26, which is the equivalent of 75 in human years, while An An is 17. " The pandas are okay but they're old, " said Ocean Park chairman Allan Zeman. " There's one that is not so well. The life expectancy is 288 and one is [almost] 26. They might live longer but it's better to start sowing the seeds now. " A Home Affairs Bureau spokeswoman said the bureau had received Mr Zeman's letter and would consider approaching mainland authorities. But she said it was premature to comment as the babies might be seen as replacements for the sick panda. An An's well-documented attempts at fatherhood have been unsuccessful. His semen has twice been sent to the mainland for failed attempts at fertilisation. The pandas are originally from Sichuan's Wolong Nature Reserve. Giant pandas are no the only animals on Ocean Park's shopping list under its massive plan to revamp the 27-year-old park/ Others include killer whales, polar bears and penguins. Only about 1000 giant pandas remain in the world, with more than 140 living in captivity and 80 per cent of the population living in Sichuan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.