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Migara, a baby elephant, a gift of friendship from Sri Lanka to China, officially moved into his new home at the Beijing Zoo yesterday.

 

The 5-year-old male elephant braved the winter cold to make his debut at a special ceremony attended by dignitaries from the two countries and the media.

 

Visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse said at the function that sending the animal to other countries is a special way to express love and friendship.

 

There are about 5,000 wild elephants in Sri Lanka, and about 200 in captivity, which are mainly used to celebrate festivals.

 

In 1972, the then Sri Lanka Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike presented a baby elephant to the Chinese government for the first time; and a similar gift from Sri Lanka arrived in 1979.

 

"They are very popular among children and have fascinated and captivated the Chinese people," said Zhang Jingguo, deputy head of the Beijing Zoo, adding that the two elephants have been traveling on national exhibition tours.

 

One is in Tianjin, a port city close to the capital and the other is in east China's Shandong Province, waiting to be mated.

 

He said Migara is expected to make his grand debut next month and would definitely receive the same welcome as his two peers.

 

To help the young elephant get used to his new home, a heating system has been installed, and his favorite plants and fruits have been imported from southern China.

 

Migara and a statute of Buddha were presented as gifts by Rajapakse to the Chinese people to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

 

Rajapakse also presented two corneas to China yesterday.

 

Sri Lanka began corneal transplants 50 years ago and has donated corneas to more than 50 countries.

 

Accompanied by a 100-member delegation including government ministers and business leaders, Rajapakse's tour is expected to woo China with its business opportunities. He will meet President Hu Jintao today.

 

(China Daily February 27, 2007)