In 1976, Beijing Zoo recieved a pair of West Indian manatees from Mexico as one of the "thank you" gift (include 5 kind of animals) for pandas. The manatees bred two times. The baby born in 1982 survived and was said to been sent to Japan. I want know the story of the little manatee in Japan. Could someone tell me? Thank you!
According to some blogs, the Caribbean manatee Jing Sheng (maybe meaning "born in the capital city?) was sent to Yomiuri Land Aquarium (now closed) from Beijing Zoo in 1988 and lived there with an Amazonian manatee. Unfortunately he died there in 2000. He was only 18 years old at the time of his death.
Thank you FrancoiseLangur! Sure the name means "Born in Beijing". Interestingly, the first Asian elephant born in Beijing Zoo is also named "Jing Sheng". As far as I now Amazonian manatees are very rare in captive. Are there any Amazonian manatees in Japan now?
You're welcome! Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden have one male Amazonian manatee who is presumed to be 51 years old.
Definately I will if I could found the source, but many photo are widely spread on the Internet, maybe from a book or magazine. By the way, you remind me of "cnu history".
