Beijing Zoo Incident

"Panda attacks teen in zoo enclosure" (click for link).

I was shocked when I read this story, concerning a 15 year old boy at the Beijing zoo who jumped over a fence and ambushed Gu Gu the Panda, causing Gu Gu to defend himself by biting the boy in the leg. Gu Gu is a sweet and gentle Panda, but, like all Pandas, he can be ferocious when he believes he is defending himself. Gu Gu has been a political prisoner of the PRC and has been kept in the Beijing Zoo for almost 8 years, and has a history of being attacked by humans. Last year a drunken tourist entered his cage and bit him, which forced him to respond by biting the human back. His time in captivity, the cruel treatment he has received, and these traumatic attacks have all caused psychological trauma similar to that experienced by veterans who were prisoners of war. I spoke with Gu Gu on the phone today, as well as one of my cousins who is also imprisoned at the Beijing zoo. We are working hard to negotiate with Chinese officials to get Gu Gu the psychological treatment he needs to deal with these issues. Anyone who has diplomatic relations with the Chinese government and who is willing to help us with Gu Gu's situation is encouraged to contact me.