The move is expected to bring new hopes for the arboretum to increase its number of Siberian tigers, following previous attempts, which have failed, according to Liu Dan, chief engineer of the park.

The arboretum already has two Siberian tigers, also from the Siberian Tiger Park, which were donated by former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, to the ROK as a token of friendship and cooperation in 1994.

However, the female has failed to warm to the affections of her male partner and consequently they have failed to produce any offspring, said Liu.

"They are both about 15 years old now, that's the equivalent of 50 years old in humans, hardly a good age for conceiving," he added.

Experts from both countries are now searching the park for an ideal couple.

The Siberian Tiger Park, which was founded in 1986, has evolved into China's largest park engaged in the artificial breeding of Siberian tigers.

The number of tigers has increased from the original eight to more than 500.

The new couple will be around four years old, which is believed to be the best reproductive age for tigers.

Liu said they used DNA detection technology to define genetic make-up in a bid to avoid inbreeding. Previous mating experience and success will also be part of the criteria, in a bid to guarantee new offspring.

They have now narrowed the search down to five pairs of tigers.

"If everything goes smoothly, the couple will embark on their journey to their new home in October," Liu said.

(China Daily August 17, 2005)