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Will National Zoo replace pandas when lease expires?
Posted by Jeroen Jacobs | Date: 2010 07 05 | In:
Smithsonian's National Zoological Park
The National Zoo is negotiating with Chinese authorities to replace its female giant panda, Mei Xiang, when her 10-year lease expires in December.
Zoo officials believe Mei Xiang may have fertility problems, which is why she and the zoo’s male panda, Tian Tian, have only produced one cub.
There is also the possibility that both pandas will stay at the zoo, or both pandas may be shipped back to China to be replaced by a new pair.
Zoo Director Dennis Kelly says all options are still on the table.
Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are owned by China and are leased to the National Zoo for $1 million a year.
Source: www.wusa9.com
Photo Credit: Jessie Cohen
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