Bearing up for special Chinese visitors

"Of course, there may be people who are jealous and want to work with them," he says, "but it is such a huge responsibility to keep them alive and give them every chance to breed. They must not die unless age is a factor.

"They should be able to breed in about two years."

It is notoriously difficult for pandas to conceive. The hosting agreement stipulates that if a baby is born, it will spend the first four years with its parents and then be sent to China.

Domb originally thought of hosting pandas in 2006 but there was no progress until last September when negotiations officially started.

He says his love story with China and pandas started when he was a child. He even shares some panda traits - he is a vegetarian.

"This animal is a symbol of peace," he says. "The panda is like a vegetarian bear. Although it is very strong and powerful, it only eats bamboo."

The cost of hosting the pandas will result in a slight price increase of entry ticket, Domb says. Meantime, in anticipation of their arrival, visitor numbers to the zoo have already increased.

There are 15 overseas zoos hosting pandas. The first pair China gave to another country as a symbol of friendship was to the United States in 1972 after Richard Nixon's historic visit.

Li Xiaofei contributed to the story.

Contact the writers at tuoyannan@chinadaily.com.cn and fujing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 10/04/2013 page26)