Chiang Mai Zoo holds farewell party for "Ling Ping"

CHIANG MAI, September 28 (TNA) - Chiang Mai Zoo in the Thai North organizes a special birthday anniversary party for "Lin Ping", the first-ever panda born in Thailand, before she will be sent to China for mating on September 28. Visitors, both locals and international tourists, have flocked the Chiang Mai Zoo since Friday morning to catch their glimpses of the female panda, now 4 years and 4 months old, enjoying her birthday cake. There are also several activities, including traditional northern Thai Lanna and Chinese cultural performances throughout the day, as well as a traditional ceremony performed in the afternoon to bless the panda on her safe journey. "Lin Ping" is scheduled to leave Thailand for China on Saturday and stay there, based on an initial agreement between Thai and Chinese authorities, for a period of one year before returning to stay in Thailand for another 15 years. (TNA)