Mainland pandas to meet Taiwan public on Lunar New Year

Source: Xinhua | 01-24-2009 08:57

TAIPEI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Two giant pandas given by the Chinese mainland to Taiwan will go on public display on Monday, after completing a month-long quarantine period, said the Taipei zoo Friday.

Taipei Zoo will give the two pandas vaccines and  train them for their debut on the first day of  Spring Festival.

Quarantine staff had examined the pandas' temperatures daily since their arrival on Dec. 23, said zoo spokesman Jason S.C. Chin.

"They had also tested their excrement three times and urine twice, and found no parasites or other diseases," he said.

The 4-year-old pair, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan (when linked, their names mean "reunion" in Chinese), weighed 106.8 kg and 107.2kg respectively, he said. "Their intake of bamboo has increased moderately."

The city government has invited 500 orphans and children from poor families to see them on Jan. 24, Taipei mayor Hau Lung-bin said earlier this month.

Taipei Zoo will give the two pandas vaccines and train  them for their debut on the first day of Spring Festival.