Life of Cancer Giant Panda Not In Danger: Experts

The Sole Giant Panda with Brown Color Suffering from Cancer

Chinese veterinarians said that the life of female giant panda Dan Dan is not in danger. Dan Dan was recently diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in her tail.

Veterinarians from the Xijing Hospital and local veterinary hospital carried out pathological test on May 17, and found that the cancer is not life threatening.

The operation lasted for 20 minutes starting at 8:46 in the morning. Dan Dab walked a few steps after the operation, but still looks very weak.

Animal experts said that the 29-year-old giant panda is too old to undergo an operation, and they decided to use medicine to treat Dan Dan.

Gao Wentian, a doctor from the Xijing Hospital, said they injected bacteriophage and anti-cancer medicine into Dan Dan this morning.

Gao said that they will get the results from the pathological test in a few days time.

Shen Guancheng, deputy head of Xi'an Zoo said that Dan Dan has lived in the zoo for 16 years since she was found in the Qinling Mountain area. She is especially loved by visitors, Shen said.

Dan Dan has a brown-and-white coat, which is rare for giant panda family. She is the only such giant panda in captivity in the world.

Dan Dan was found suffering from cancer on May 8 this year. Animal experts said that they will do their utmost to prolong her life.