Freed Chinese panda dies in wild (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

The first Chinese panda released into the wild after being bred in captivity has died, Chinese media has announced.

Xiang Xiang was released in April 2006 from the Wolong Giant Panda Research Centre and was said to be adjusting well to his new life.

But the five-year-old was found dead in February. Officials said his death was likely due to a fight with wild pandas.

Xiang Xiang's death is a set back for China's efforts to increase the number of giant pandas in the wild.

Giant pandas are one of the world's most endangered species. Only about 1,600 remain in the wild, with another 200 living in captivity.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6707455.stm

[Nihil]

1. Damn.

> Officials said his death was likely due to a fight with wild pandas.

Anti-immigrant vigilantes there too? :wow:

(Actually, given its diet and parental skills, the panda was well on
the way to extinction before humans got involved so it really isn't
much of a surprise.)