No panda sex before marriage

CHIANG MAI: -- Even before their arrival in our Land of Smiles, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui drew great expectations from locals.

That’s understandable. For people living in the tropics, the appearance of these creatures from temperate zones is indeed exotic.

Since they took permanent refuge at Chiang Mai Zoo, a large number of visitors have turned up to scrutinise every move they make, including what they eat.

And now as they are soon approaching reproductive age, both zoo operators and the public are expecting Lin Hui will soon become pregnant.

Before that comes about, the pandas’ hosts are preparing to hold a wedding ceremony for them.

They believe all couples should be legally and culturally married before they start a family.

It is absurd, though. Animals beget families purely by instinct to ensure the survival of their species. Since when do animals want to get married first?

Moreover, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui have been together since they landed at the zoo quite some time ago.

At any rate, one local value calls for couples not to have sex until they are properly wed. Couples in rural areas risk being condemned if they fail to uphold this value.

Luckily, pandas are not humans. And their human fans are kind enough to forget their past and look forward to seeing them wed properly.

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Furry protection

In another development about pandas, China Daily recently reported that Lotus Supermarkets – run by Thailand’s Chia Tai Group – had given 3 million yuan (Bt14 million) to the China Wildlife Conservation Association to protect giant pandas and promote public awareness about the animals.

In September, Lotus launched a “Save the Panda” programme throughout its 35 stores in China. Whenever customers buy a particular product, it donates the equivalent of US 10 cents to this programme.

The giant panda is one of the most endangered species in the world. Their numbers are estimated to be no more than 1,600 in China with at least 163 being raised in captivity or kept in zoos worldwide. (They include Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui naturally.)

Chia Tai is the flagship of Charoen Pokphand Group in China. Given its devotion to protect pandas, CP might not mind contributing funds – if asked – for Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui’s wedding.

--The Nation 2005-06-18

What's the standard dowry for a panda?

when´s the reception?

Free bar?

Is the keeper of pandas a panderer?

...and lot's of succulent bamboo nibblies washed down with bamboo juice...