Aging panda returns to hometown for better care

2017-03-17
Xinhua

Giant panda Shu Lan rests at Lanzhou Zoo in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, March 16, 2017. The 23-year-old giant panda will leave Lanzhou on March 16 to return to its hometown in Southwest China’s Sichuan province due to health concerns. The Lanzhou zoo held a farewell party for Shu Lan on March 16. Many locals came to say goodbye. Experts said Shu Lan is in normal health, but concluded that she has shown some symptoms of aging, such as weight loss. Her age is equivalent to about 70 human years. Therefore, experts suggested sending Shu Lan to a conservation and research center for Giant Panda in Sichuan to help her maintain her health. [Photo/Xinhua]

Giant panda Shu Lan plays at Lanzhou Zoo in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, March 16, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

Giant panda Shu Lan plays at Lanzhou Zoo in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, March 16, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

Giant panda Shu Lan plays at Lanzhou Zoo in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, March 16, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

A visitor takes photos of giant panda Shu Lan at Lanzhou Zoo in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, March 16, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

People say goodbye to giant panda Shu Lan at Lanzhou Zoo in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, March 16, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

Staff members carry giant panda Shu Lan out at Lanzhou Zoo in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, March 16, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Staff members carry giant panda Shu Lan at the airport in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, March 16, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]