Panda center solicits name, adoption of cub

An animal rescue and research center in northwest China's Shaanxi province is searching for a name and adopters for the first panda born this year in the province.

The panda cub was born on July 18 to her mother, "Xin Xin," whose name means "thriving," after a 123-day pregnancy. The cub, weighing 192 grams at birth, was the 14th panda born at the Shaanxi Rare Wild Animals Rescue and Breeding Research Center.

Experts at the center said the panda cub has already adapted to its new environment after several critical stages under the care of her mother and center staff.

In order to raise public awareness about wild animal protection, the center, together with the Shaanxi Association of Forest Culture, initiated a panda naming program soliciting name ideas from the public. The center has also encouraged individuals or groups to adopt the cub with donations.

A panda's yearly expenses usually stand at about 100,000 yuan (16,130 U.S. dollars), according to experts, while expenses related to scientific research on the animal vary.

The adopter can either pay at least one year's costs for a one-year adoption or a minimum of five years' costs for a life-long adoption.

The cub will remain at the center after adoption, according to the center.

During the adoption period, adopting parties have the right to information about the panda and visitation rights.

A lifelong adopter will also have naming rights for the cub if he or she agrees to sponsor panda research, according to the center.