Hsing-Hsing the panda doing well after cancer surgery
April 23, 1997
Web posted at: 9:34 p.m. EDT (0134 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Hsing-Hsing the giant panda appeared to be making a rapid recovery Wednesday, a day after undergoing cancer surgery, officials at the National Zoo said.
The 26-year-old panda was able to enjoy a meal of carrots, and ventured outside for some fresh air. He seemed to be in good health and was acting as if nothing had happened, said zoo spokesman Mike Morgan.
On Tuesday, veterinarians removed an enlarged, tumorous testicle from the panda. The other testicle was removed as a precaution, and a lymph node was taken out to be tested.
Morgan said preliminary tests detected no signs of cancer in the second testicle and the lymph node, but more tests would be done to make sure.
Hsing-Hsing and his mate, Ling-Ling, came to Washington in 1972 as gifts from China to the American people. Ling-Ling died of heart failure in 1992.
Hsing-Hsing remains one of the most beloved attractions at the National Zoo. On April 16, the zoo celebrated the 25th anniversary of the pandas' arrival with cake, lectures and children's games.
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