China's visiting premier has announced a panda swap at an Australian zoo but protesters say panda diplomacy shrouds the black and white of a troubling human rights record. / (min cost $ 0 ) or signup to continue reading Making the announcement at Adelaide Zoo, China Premier Li Qiang said two new giant pandas would replace Wang Wang and Fu Ni, who have lived at the zoo for 15 years as the only specimens of their kind in the southern hemisphere. The popular pair's residence as part of an international breeding program helped drive up attendance at the zoo but they have not produced offspring during their time in Australia.
"(Wang Wang and Fu Ni) will return to China before the end of the year," Premier Li told reporters in front of Adelaide Zoo's panda enclosure. "But what I want to tell you is that we will provide a new pair of beautiful, lovely and adorable pandas as soon as possible." Zoo director Dr Phil Ainsley was thrilled at the announcement.
"This is a collaborative partnership that we've been working with China on the giant panda for over 15 years," he told AAP. "So we're very, very excited to see this to be able to continue." Dr Ainsley said the giant panda's conservation status had improved from "endangered" to "vulnerable" over the duration of the international breeding program.
"That's something which we're very proud of," he said. Adelaide Zoo representatives will organise the selection of the new pandas in the coming weeks and months. Premier Li's visit is the fi.
