Shanghai, February 8 (Gasgoo.com) Chinese automaker Sichuan Auto Industry Group said yesterday that it has adopted Tai Shan, a male panda returning to China from the United States, its birthplace, Xinhua News reported.
Sichuan Auto signed the adoption deal with Ya'an Bifeng Gorge Breeding Base under China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda in Sichuan's Wolong Nature Reserve on Wednesday, two days before Tai Shan returned from Washington.
The auto company in southwest China's Sichuan province, home to the natural habitat of giant pandas, paid 400,000 yuan ($58,570) for the adoption of Tai Shan, which is adapting well to life at its new home. "He is in good mood and eating well," said a deputy director of the Panda research center.
Tai Shan, 4.5 years old, returned to Sichuan on Friday along with 3-year-old female panda Mei Lan born in Atlanta. Mei Lan has been sent to the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding. However, she looks not as well adapted to the new home.
China loaned two panda couples to the U.S. in the 1990s, which delivered Tai Shan and Mei Lan in July 2005 and Sept. 2006, respectively. Under the loan deal, the pandas and their cubs must be returned to China after scientific studies finish.
Together with the adoption, Sichuan Auto has also presented one of its SUVs as a gift to Tai Shan for its special use. One year ago, before Sichuan Tengzhong, the SUV-maker was rumored to buy the Hummer brand from General Motors.
