CHIANG MAI: Chiang Mai Zoo celebrated the 21st birthday of its star attraction, the giant panda Lin Hui, on Wednesday.
Chinese vice consul-general Yang Jiong joined in the celebration. She wrote in a good-wishes card that the Chinese Consulate-General in Chiang Mai appreciated the zoo’s efforts in taking such good care of Lin Hui for more than two decades.
“Lin Hui is not only well-provided for by the zoo but also receives much love and adoration from Chiang Mai locals and Thai people. It is not a stretch to say that Lin Hui’s stay in Chiang Mai is proof of great friendship between Thailand and China,” she wrote.
She said that the Chinese Consulate-General will further support panda research and conservation efforts at the zoo.
Zoo director Wuthichai Muangman said Lin Hui is in good health with a veterinary team taking care of her closely, in line with China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) standards.
He said more than 7.4 million visitors have dropped by the zoo since October 2003 to see the two giant pandas on loan from China, Lin Hui and Xuang Xuang.