Chinese experts to investigate death of panda in Thailand

(ECNS) -- The China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda will send a team of experts to Thailand “as soon as possible”to investigate the death of panda Chuang Chuang.

The 19-year-old male giant panda, which was based at Chiang Mai Zoo, died on Monday afternoon, according to a statement.

The center said it was sad to learn of the news and will now work with Thai experts to look into the cause of death, with the results expected to be made public in due course.

Chuang Chuang, along with female giant panda Lin Hui, left southwest China's Sichuan Province for Chiang Mai in 2003. The pair had been living at the zoo since then for purposes of scientific research, and Chuang Chuang had become one of the zoo’s star attractions.

Close ties between the two countries were always maintained to ensure cooperation in the care of the pandas, with Chinese experts making regular visits to check the health status of the animals. Thailand authorities also have made monthly reports to their Chinese counterparts, according to the statement.

Thanks to joint efforts between China and Thailand, the pandas gave birth to a cub, named Lin Bing, the first to be born in Thailand. According to the agreement, Lin Bin was returned to China to mature. 

The pair of pandas enhanced the friendship between the Chinese and Thai people, and built an important bridge for Sino-Thai cultural exchange, said the statement.