Taipei Zoo’s beloved panda Tuantuan is likely suffering from a brain tumor, according to a recent MRI scan. Veterinarians have requested help from panda experts in China.
Visitors to Taipei Zoo leave notes wishing a speedy recovery for Tuantuan (團團), an 18-year-old panda who was diagnosed with brain lesions in August after suffering seizures. A second MRI recently revealed that the condition is worsening. Test results point to a malignant tumor.
The zoo has decided to not subject the panda to further invasive treatments and requested that Chinese specialists be allowed to visit. A zoo representative says the current plan is to invite two specialists from China for a seven-day visit.
China gave Tuantuan to Taiwan in 2008 amid controversy. DPP President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) had rejected the transfer, but his KMT successor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), later approved it. Tuan Tuan and his partner Yuanyuan (圓圓) brought joy to countless visitors and had two cubs.
Veterinarians say Tuantuan can still stand up and move around and is not in pain.
Visitors are currently not able to see Tuantuan, who is awaiting specialists from China. Zoo officials say they are monitoring the panda’s condition and are not currently considering euthanasia as an option.
Tomasz Koper, RTI News