优子, did you see the news? Shanghai is preparing to send two red pandas to the Taipei Zoo, and will receive a pair of African penguins from Taipei.

Really? That sounds so cute! Why exchange animals? Is it just to make visitors happy?

Partly so people can see more animals, but more importantly, it’s for conservation. Both red pandas and African penguins are endangered, and exchanges help prevent genetic diversity from becoming too limited.

I see. I’ve only heard the term ‘refreshing bloodlines’ in TV dramas before—I didn’t realize animals need it too.

Yes. The two cities signed a cooperation memorandum at a forum long ago, and now it’s finally being put into practice. Many children in Taipei are really looking forward to the new red pandas.

I think this kind of exchange feels very heartwarming. Cities don’t just share experiences, they also protect animals together—it feels like the two cities are getting closer.

Exactly. As the news said, contact is better than confrontation. Animals are never political symbols, but little messengers that connect people’s hearts.