China expected to extend Lin Ping's stay in Thailand

CHIANG MAI, March 27 (TNA) - Chiang Mai Zoo in the Thai North on Wednesday organized a birthday party for Lin Ping, a female panda, now three years and 10 months old, born in Thailand from a panda couple lent by China, Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui, as Thai concerned authorities said China is expected to further extend Lin Ping's stay at the Chiang Mai Zoo after the existing deal expires in May 2013. According to Prasertsak Buntragulpoontawee, chief of Project for Panda Research and Display in Thailand, the concerned Thai authorities are seeking China's approval of Lin Ping’s extended stay at the Chiang Mai Zoo for another two years. Prasertsak acknowledged that Lin Ping has been generally in good health and very playful, while Lin Hui, her mother has not yet shown any sign for mating, ensuring that Lin Hui’s readiness to breed has been closely monitored by Chiang Mai Zoo's officials, even though an artificial technique, as Lin Hui and Xuang Xuang are also in good health. Meanwhile, Lin Ping’s 4th birthday was celebrated ahead of her actual birthday anniversary on May 27, during which the young panda, the first born in Thailand so far, enjoyed a summer-themed cage decorated with iced desserts topped with her favourite fruits, together with a beach chair comprised of pieces of palm and coconut trees. (TNA)