Death of panda leaves many questions unanswered

Public shows concern with zoo's actions and comments, and questions its responsibility, report Yang Yang in Zhengzhou, Hu Yongqi and Wu Wencong in Beijing.

On Valentine's Day, Longsheng, a giant panda at Zhengzhou Zoo, climbed down from his wooden bed to the window and reached out slowly with his right paw to grasp a red carrot from his feeding tray. He seemed lonely without his female companion, Jinyi, who had died on Feb 9.

Seemingly oblivious to the loss, visitors thronged the zoo as usual to see the panda exhibit. They busily snapped photos and talked loudly with their families and friends. Some even knocked heavily on the glass wall to arouse Longsheng's attention. He seemed not to notice as he slowly nibbled his carrot.