- Taipei Zoo says Tuan Tuan, a giant panda that China gave Taiwan in 2008 has passed away.
- The bear’s condition became “irreversible” and he could no longer “live a quality life”, a statement from the zoo said.
According to Taipei Zoo, a giant panda that China gave Taiwan in 2008 has passed away following a period of ill health.
When ties between China and Taiwan were warmer, Tuan Tuan and his breeding mate Yuan Yuan were given to Taiwan.
But since then, ties have deteriorated and Beijing, which has traditionally viewed Taiwan as a separatist province, has grown more belligerent.
When Tuan Tuan started having seizures in August, the zoo became aware that he was ill.
When Chinese veterinarians were sent to check him, scans revealed a brain lesion, and he was given treatment.
The 18-year-old bear’s condition became “irreversible” and he could no longer “live a quality life”, a statement from the zoo said.
Taiwan is seen by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a part of Chinese territory, and in a speech he gave last month in Beijing to kick off the Communist party Congress, Mr. Xi refused to rule out using force to unite Taiwan with China.
Since more than 50 years ago, China has lent pandas to other zoos, with the understanding that any progeny must be returned to China within a few years after birth in order to be included in the nation’s breeding program.
Pandas have been a national treasure ever since Mao Zedong, the founder of the Chinese Communist Party, utilized them to start political conversations with other nations.
Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan quickly gained popularity in Taipei after their arrival, and Yuan Yuan gave birth to two female cubs, Yuan Zaibap in 2013 and Yuan Bao in 2020.
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