Popular panda on loan from China dies in Thai zoo

In this November 2003 file photo, the two giant pandas Chuang Chuang (left), and Lin Hui, are seen in their cage in the Chiang Mai Zoo in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand. Officials said Chuang Chuang collapsed on Sept 16 in his enclosure at the Chiang Mai Zoo shortly after standing

up following a meal of bamboo leaves. (AP) Zoo staff in northern Thailand donned black and white clothing and ob- served a minute of silence Tuesday to mourn the sudden death of their popular male giant panda, who was on a long-term loan from China.

Chuang Chuang collapsed Monday in his enclosure shortly after standing up following a meal of bamboo leaves, said Wutthi- chai Muangmun, the director of the Chiang Mai Zoo.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, zoo staff said they found no sign of illness or injury on the 19-year-old panda’s body, and that he had recently passed a health checkup.

Kannikar Nimtrakul, the zoo vet- erinarian who oversees the panda enclosure, said the animals have a life expectancy of 14-20 years.

Chuang Chuang and his female mate, Lin Hui, arrived in Chiang Mai in 2003 on a 10-year loan that was later extended for another 10 years. While the loan was ostensibly for research and conservation purposes, it was generally regarded as an act of friendship by China, which has sent pandas to many countries.

The two pandas proved a huge hit with Thais. For three years, a dedicated 24-hour TV channel broadcast their daily lives. (AP)