Foreign and Military Affairs
Washingtonians express pride, hope for departing Chinese panda cub
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-05 11:13
EXTREMELY PROUD
Few people would argue that the panda cub has become one of the most important figures in the capital city since it was born, and Washingtonians are extremely proud of it.
As the news conference was underway, a lot of panda fans gathered nearby, holding pictures of Tai Shan and repeatedly hailing "Tai Shan, we love you!"
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 Giant Panda bear Tai Shan, 4, is pictured in his enclosure at the National Zoo in Washington, December 4, 2009. Under an agreement with China's government Tai Shan, the first surviving Giant Panda cub born at the zoo in 2005, will relocate permanently to Sichuan, China in early 2010 to begin his participation in a breeding program. [Agencies] |
But the cub, which just came out of its cave and took some fresh morning air, was not affected by the overwhelming emotions around it.
Tai Shan, which means "peaceful mountain" in Chinese, was born in July 2005 to Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, a giant panda couple that came to the zoo in 2000 under a 10-year loan.
Under the original China-U.S. agreement, the cub was supposed to be sent to China at two years' old.
After Americans pleaded for extending its stay, China agreed to let the cub stay in the zoo for two more years. In fact, its stay was extended to four and a half years as it won't go to China until January or February 2010.
Since the cub's public debut in December 2005, it has attracted millions of visitors who have come to the National Zoo to see him in person.
It also got many fans around the world through the zoo's giant panda webpage, which draws some one million visits each month since its birth.
Calling Tai Shan "the most important Washington resident," Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty announced in 2007 that April 24 will become the Panda Day for the city.
It has been the subject of a documentary, the model for zoo merchandise and personal tattoos, and the inspiration for a fan club, Pandas Unlimited.
The zoo just announced the cub's appearance on a postage stamp.
"We are extremely pound of Tai Shan," said Monfort.
"He has become so special to the staff and the public -- and we have learned so much from him," he added.
The zoo is planning a series of events to highlight Tai Shan's contribution to the cause of wildlife conservation.
Stevens said Tai Shan has performed multiple roles since it was born. "He carries the name of a great mountain and is a charismatic ambassador that symbolizes scientific and political coordination between China and the United States."
