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[Carrie McLaren <stay.free AT verizon.net>]

Zoo faces questioning for not helping celebrity chimp breed
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20050803p2a00m0na022000c.html

The popular chimpanzee Pan-kun is pictured at the Cuddly Dominion zoo 
in Kumamoto Prefecture on July 16.

ASO, Kumamoto -- The Environment Ministry is poised to question 
officials at a zoo here over its treatment of the popular chimpanzee 
Pan-kun, who often appears on television.

Officials at "Aso Cuddly Dominion" face questioning on suspicion of 
violating the Species Protection Law by failing to properly help 
Pan-kun breed.

The 3-year-old chimpanzee was transferred to Aso Cuddly Dominion from 
a zoo in Miyazaki Prefecture two years ago, with permission from the 
Environment Ministry, for the purpose of breeding.

However, ministry officials said there was a possibility the popular 
chimp's frequent activities were influencing his ability to 
reproduce. Pan-kun appeared in performances at Cuddly Dominion 
immediately upon his arrival. He also traveled around the country 
appearing on television.

On the NTV program "Tensai! Shimura Dobutsu-en" (Genius! Shimura 
Zoo), Pan-kun appears in a corner where he goes on errands with a 
bulldog. He has also appeared in the TBS program "Dobutsu Kiso 
Tengai!" (Unbelievable Animals!) eight times. In August, he will give 
three 40-minute performances a day without a break.

There are currently 355 chimpanzees in Japan. Under the Species 
Protection Law, it is generally forbidden to transfer chimpanzees, 
which are designated as an internationally rare wild animal. However 
they may be transferred for the purpose of scientific research and 
for breeding if permission is received from the Ministry of the 
Environment.

"In cases where the purpose of the transfer is for breeding, it is 
all right for the animal to be displayed. In Pan-kun's case, however, 
he is involved in performances outside the zoo, and there is a 
possibility this runs counter to the spirit of the law," a ministry 
official said.

Pan-kun has been interacting with a female chimpanzee at the zoo. Zoo 
officials say he usually has time to rest.

"He's got a busy schedule during the summer holidays, but usually we 
arrange for him to have time to rest. I don't think there are any 
obstacles to his breeding," said a communications official at Aso 
Cuddly Dominion.

NTV officials said the broadcaster had taken measures to prevent 
Pan-kun from becoming stressed or tired when filming. "We don't think 
there is any problem," a representative said. (Mainichi)
Click here for the original Japanese storyClick here for the original 
Japanese story

August 3, 2005