A high-profile proposal to bring two pandas back to the nation’s capital has stirred up strong and oft-recited sentiments.
Halfway through a public comment period, the Fish and Wildlife Service has recorded more than 10,000 opinions in response to a panda import permit application filed by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and its partner.
The comments include many that are attributed to “anonymous,” along with many that share the identical wording that’s a sign of a concerted campaign; in this case, one in opposition to the pandas coming to the United States.
“They are not laboratory mice. As national treasures, they should continue to live happily in their habitats where they have survived for generations,” an individual identified as Anita Wang wrote, adding that “without sufficient financial support, technological capabilities and enough love, we do not accept giant pandas leaving China. “
