After the Chinese mainland unveiled two pandas as gifts to
Taiwan yesterday, a battle to host the two bears has already begun
on the island, the website of Chinataiwan.org reported.
Taichung City and zoos in Taipei and Hsinchu all want the
bears.
Xiao Jia-qi, vice mayor of Taichung, said the city will file an
application with the Taiwan authorities next month to let the
pandas settle in Taichung.
A non-governmental foundation has been established by the city's
public, to finance the campaign.
The city has a plan to build a panda theme park, and the
foundation will take charge of raising money for it.
Xiao said pandas will live in the location at Dakeng Forest
Recreation Area in suburban Taichung, which will be exclusively set
aside for them and be conducive to their reproduction.
Another advantage is that the environment there is similar to
that in Sichuan Province where the two pandas lived. It will be
easier for them to adjust to the new place, the city argues.
In addition to Taichung, zoos in Taipei and Hsinchu also
expressed their desire to host the pandas.
Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday that Taipei City Zoo
has prepared a home for the pandas.
The zoo began preparations last year after the mainland decided
to give a pair of pandas to the island in May. It is building a
four-story special exhibition hall for the two pandas. The
structural work is expected to be finished this month and the
entire building will be completed in June.
The mainland yesterday chose two giant
pandas to be offered to the island as a symbol of peace, unity
and friendship.
The two pandas are now known only as No. 19, a male, and No. 16,
a female. The mainland is collecting nicknames for them.
Compared to the high spirits of others, Li Guo and Xu Yalin, the
panda couple's keepers had mixed feelings.
"We are reluctant to let them go, but we hope they can bring
laughter to the Taiwan compatriots together with our blessing,"
said Li Guo, a 25-year-old young man who has taken care of
"Xiaoguaiguai" since he was born.
(Shanghai Daily January 7, 2006)