Two experts from China arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday to help care for Tuantuan — an 18-year-old panda who suffered a series of seizures in August. Sadly, it seems the bear’s condition is not improving.
Taipei Zoo’s cute and lovable superstar panda Tuantuan has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor. And despite the ever-growing collection of notes wishing for his speedy recovery, the bear’s condition is deteriorating. Moving is becoming increasingly difficult and tiring for him.
The zoo confirmed that two panda experts from China’s Wolong National Nature Reserve had arrived in Taipei earlier this week. They had been invited to assist with caring for Tuantuan. The zoo expects them to stay for a week and offer suggestions on Tuantuan’s treatment.
Zoo officials say the experts arrived early in the morning on Tuesday and were taken straight from Taoyuan airport to see Tuantuan and his partner Yuanyuan. The two bears were a Chinese gift to Taiwan and arrived in 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 accepted to bear.
Zoo officials say the Chinese experts will only act as advisors and won’t be able to independently administer treatment.
In a rare display of cooperation, Chinese and Taiwanese experts are working together to help give Tuantuan the best care possible.
Tomasz Koper, RTI News