Panda cubs set to charm in China

Updated 17.33 Sun Mar 30 2008
Keywords: China, zoo, Olympics, Beijing Games, panda

A group of cuddly panda cubs is guaranteed to charm visitors flocking to China for the Beijing Olympics.

Twelve cubs have been ferried to their new home at the China Panda Protection and Research Centre in Wolong, Sichuan province.

The bears have joined a group of older pandas, eight of which are set to travel to Beijing for the Olympic Games after being picked in an online vote

The bears have joined a group of older pandas, eight of which are set to travel to Beijing for the Olympic Games after being picked in an online vote.

The centre is expecting a dramatic increase in visitors for the duration of the Olympic Games.

Pandas are considered a national treasure and Jingjing the panda is one of the five official Olympic mascots.

According to state media, zoo officials decided to use the opportunity of the Games to promote the protection of the rare creatures and their living environment.

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