Merkel Pledges Star Treatment For China’s Panda ‘envoys’

Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed Wednesday to make China’s new “special envoys” feel welcome in Berlin, as she unveiled two eagerly awaited giant pandas at the German capital’s zoo alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping. “I think that this event today is a symbol of the relationship between our two countries,” said Merkel at the ceremony to … Read more

Panda Mania Hits Germany As China’s Cuddly Envoys Arrive

Germany was bracing for panda mania as furry ambassadors arrive from China on Saturday, destined for a new life as stars of Berlin’s premier zoo. The pair, named Meng Meng and Jiao Qing, will be jetting in on a special Lufthansa cargo plane, accompanied by two Chinese panda specialists, the Berlin Zoo’s chief vet and … Read more

Bashful Tokyo Pandas Mate After Four-Year Hiatus

Two giant pandas at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo mated for the first time in four years Monday — a 52-second effort that boosted hopes for a baby as well as shares in a nearby Chinese restaurant. Public viewing of pandas at the zoo has been halted since last week as the mating season got into full … Read more