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Taiwan panda’s ‘proof of life’ photo debunks death rumors

In this photo made available by the Taipei Zoo on May 18, 11 year old panda from China named Tuan Tuan is seen sitting upright his cage behind recent local newspaper front pages at the Taipei Zoo, in Taipei, Taiwan. The photo of Tuan Tuan alive and with the newspapers was accompanied by a statement from zoo director Chin Shih-chien saying that Tuan Tuan, his partner Yuan Yuan and their cub Yuan Zai are all fine, despite rumors first appearing on Chinese websites that Tuan Tuan had died. (Taipei Zoo via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT In this photo made available by the Taipei Zoo on May 18, 11 year old panda from China named Tuan Tuan is seen sitting upright his cage behind recent local newspaper front pages at the Taipei Zoo, in Taipei, Taiwan. The photo of Tuan Tuan alive and with the newspapers was accompanied by a statement from zoo director Chin Shih-chien saying that Tuan Tuan, his partner Yuan Yuan and their cub Yuan Zai are all fine, despite rumors first appearing on Chinese websites that Tuan Tuan had died. (Taipei Zoo via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

By Associated Press May 18, 2016 1 min read

BEIJING (AP) – The subject of the photo looks out from behind bars, with newspapers arranged in front of him to prove what day it is. This “proof of life” shot is not a scene from a kidnapping but an effort by the Taipei Zoo to debunk rumors that a prized panda recently died.

Photos released by the zoo this week show Tuan Tuan looking at the papers laid out in front of his inner enclosure. The zoo’s director said in a statement that Tuan Tuan, his partner Yuan Yuan and their cub are fine.

The website of China’s official Communist Party newspaper Global Times had reported the panda died of canine distemper. It retracted the story and apologized for not checking its facts.

Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan were gifts from China.