China, Indonesia launch joint research on giant panda protection

A photo shows the Chinese panda exhibit at Indonesia Panda Castle in Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI), Jakarta, on Nov 26, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/ Sun Muning]

A joint research program for giant panda protection was launched by China and Indonesia in Bogor, Indonesia on November 26, 2017.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong delivers a speech at the launch ceremony of a joint research project for giant panda protection between China and Indonesia at Bogor, Indonesia on November 26, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/ Sun Muning]

“As the messengers of friendship between our two countries, giant pandas tightly bond the people of both countries together and give us beautiful shared memories,” Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong said at the launch ceremony.

A store sells panda-themed souvenirs at Indonesia Panda Castle, on Nov 26, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/ Sun Muning]

China sent two seven-year-old giant pandas, Cai Tao and Hu Chun, to Indonesia on September 28.

The panda couple live in Indonesia's safari park, Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI), which is located on a mountain 1,800 meters above sea level with average temperatures from 15 to 24 degrees Celsius.

The male giant panda Cai Tao enjoys his meal at Indonesia Panda Castle, on Nov 2, 2017 [Photo/Xinhua]

Zhang Hemin from the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center said the safari park has favorable conditions for the pandas. The male panda Cai Tao is maintaining his weight, and female panda Hu Chun has started to gain weight.