News Flash: Chinese Genetic Engineers Create FrankenBunny!!!

As Chinese President Hu Jintao was checking out a city-center home for sale at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue his countrymen were preparing for the Lunar New Year celebration in early February.  While most Americans are aware of the amazing progress the Chinese have made in manufacturing and international trade, most haven't heard about the amazing leap the country has quietly made in the field of genetic science.  That is about to change.

On midnight February 2 the Year of the Tiger ends and the Year of the Rabbit begins. To commemorate the occasion in Beijing Chinese scientists will announce that they have successfully crossed a tiger and a rabbit.  Although up to now this research has been a closely guarded secret, photos of the first bunny tigers have begun to leak out and some can be seen here.  Please note that the photos give no clue as to whether this critter is tiger-sized or rabbit-sized. It could give a whole new meaning to "hopping down the bunny trail."

Many of you know that I have been involved with tiger conservation since the early 1990s.  I have contacted several conservation scientists to get their expert views.  They unanimously have very low opinions of previous Chinese efforts to save the tiger from extinction but are intrigued about the prospects for this new initiative.

All I can say is 祝大家兔年大吉。兔脚为你开财路，兔耳为你撞鸿运，兔背为你驮康寿，让这头兔永远伴你左右，动如脱兔。

Translation: Wishing you great fortune in the Year of the Rabbit. The rabbit’s feet will lead your way to prosperity; rabbit’s ears will bring you great luck; rabbit’s shoulder and back will carry you to longevity; May this rabbit accompany you at your side bouncing forever with energy!