China offered giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan to Taiwan in 2006 to ease ties. Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan mean "unite" when combined (tuan yuan). Since Taiwan's new president elect Ma Ying-jeou expressed interest in bringing in the pandas, Taiwan zoos and a private theme park have spent millions and presented proposals for the pandas.
These normally gentle animals are now looked upon as political gifts/symbols and tourist attractions. Very stressful roles indeed.
Source: Star Online "Taiwan zoos in fierce competition for China pandas"
Some past giant panda posts:
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