The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda said on Saturday that rumors surrounding the beating of pandas by keepers were baseless.
The center said that Zhang Xin, who was subjected to such accusations because he had mistreated a panda named Hua Ni in 2014, was found not to have committed any such offense.
In 2006, Zhang began to work as a giant panda keeper at the Ya'an base of the center. In 2014, an anonymous netizen released a surveillance video of a panda being beaten by Zhang at the center's Ya'an Bifengxia base.
Hua Ni, a young panda cub, tried to get closer to Zhang, who was not wearing a uniform, and he then slapped the panda's ears and nose.
A list of official names released on May 23 revealed that he passed the professional and technical qualification examination and received the title of engineer.
The center said in 2014, Zhang had been disciplined for not wearing a uniform and not following the guidelines for animal care. After being suspended from work, Zhang was transferred from a breeding post to a feed production post, the center said.
The center added that he was later reinstated after showing remorse for his behavior and also because of his familiarity with the management of giant panda breeding.
The center also cleared Zhang of accusations that he had smoked in the zoo.
13 Comments
Micluxo
The center's statement fails to address concerns about transparency and accountability in how they manage and oversee their staff.
Василий
The fact that Zhang worked as a researcher at a different facility for a period of time shows that the center prioritizes staff development and professional development.
Eugene Alta
The fact that the center immediately made public Zhang's punishment and transfer shows a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Noir Black
The China Conservation and Research Center's statement provides evidence-based facts to counteract rumors and speculation about animal abuse.
Pedalka
The center's statement may not address concerns about mistreatment of other pandas or other animals in their care.
Muchacho
The surveillance video evidence from 2014 suggests that Zhang had mistreated a panda and raises questions about his suitability as a keeper.
WorldWideOrder
The lack of evidence of other mistreatment of animals at the center suggests that Zhang may be an outlier rather than indicative of broader systemic issues.
Stan Marsh
The center's decision to reinstate Zhang was likely based on a thorough review of evidence and consideration of the best interests of the animals in their care.
Eugene Alta
The center's claim that Zhang was punished for not following guidelines for animal care does not specify what those guidelines were or how he violated them.
Noir Black
Clearing Zhang of accusations of smoking at the zoo does not absolve him of the more serious allegation of animal abuse.
Eugene Alta
The center's statement emphasizes the importance of demonstrating remorse for past mistakes and improving one's behavior, which could encourage similar behavior from other staff or members of the public.
Noir Black
The fact that this story trended on social media shows that the public is invested in animal welfare, which can strengthen calls for increased regulation and oversight.
Loubianka
The fact that Zhang passed a professional and technical qualification assessment and received the title of engineer indicates that he is competent and qualified in his role.