According to a statement released by the Memphis Zoo in the United States on the morning of February 3, local time, the giant panda "Lele" who lived in the zoo passed away. The report also stated that the cause of Lele’s death “has not yet been determined” and that the Memphis Zoo is investigating.

Earlier (at the end of last year), photos of the scrawny panda were circulated on the domestic Internet. Many netizens called for the national treasure to be returned to the country.

The female "Yaya" and the male "Lele" arrived at the Memphis Zoo in April 2003 to begin their life in the United States. The agreement lasted for 10 years and was extended for another 10 years in 2013.

It stands to reason that the contract for leasing giant pandas signed by both parties will expire in 2013. Since they have entered old age and "Yaya" suffers from skin diseases, the China Zoo Association has actively negotiated with the United States to take back the two giant pandas as soon as possible. However, the U.S. refused to return the money in every possible way, so the contract was renewed in the end. Because our "national treasure" panda is not only loved by the American people, but is also regarded as the star "cash cow" of the local zoo. However, unexpectedly, this reluctant renewal of the contract caused great harm to Yaya and Lele.

From the surveillance screen, their range of activities is only within our sight. It cannot meet the activity needs of pandas, let alone the environment and atmosphere that pandas like.

There is nothing but wood and stone. Living in such a harsh environment for a long time can cause psychological problems for even humans, let alone lively pandas, which become thin and helpless. The water in the open-air pool is filthy, and even American tourists said it is disgusting that the pandas live in a place where garbage and feces are not cleaned. This reflects the poor condition of the pandas. In addition to treating them as cash cows, American zoos have not shouldered the responsibility of taking good care of the pandas.

I believe that the country is also working hard to negotiate and hope there will be a good result. It would be deplorable if harm is caused to protected animals due to such disgusting operations in the United States!