Panda-monium

I gather that the movie, Kung Fu Panda, is very popular here – which is why I suppose the delayed arrival of the two Chinese pandas deserved such prominence in the ST (okay, I’ll put my scalpel down now…)

Besides the panda keepers at River Safari, I wonder who else is dying to see these creatures in hot and humid Singapore. I haven’t heard much public rumble. Perhaps, people are asking if the delayed arrival is some sign of Chinese hesitation? Because pandas are considered Chinese treasures that are only conferred on China’s closest friends? Is there some political significance that I have failed to grasp? Or is it simply just the case that enclosures (more than $8million! And you think property prices are high!) aren’t quite ready?

One thing tickled me: The image of the pandas “catching” an SIA flight. Hah, I guess we’ll have them ordering in-flight dinner of bamboo shoots or something and clearing customs and immigration at Changi. The thing is, with the world in turmoil over Greece, a looming American election, a much-hyped local by-election, two pandas can surely be relegated to less than prime space?