Panda couple likely to stay another decade in Thailand

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND, August 6 (TNA) - China has initially agreed to extend a loan deal for a panda couple, Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui, at Chiang Mai Zoo in the Thai North for another 10 years. Dr. Boripat Siriaroonrat, who heads a working group under Thailand's panda research and display project, told journalists on Wednesday that the Chinese government has informally agreed to extend the 10-year loan contract for Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui. Dr. Boripat said that Chiang Mai Zoo's officials are, therefore, seeking an approval of the extended loan deal for the giant panda couple, for the Thai side, from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which is expected to endorse the deal over the next couple of months. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai Zoo organised the 14th birthday party for the male giant panda, Xuang Xuang, earlier in the day when both Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui were served with a special cake made from ice, fruits and bamboo shoots. (TNA)