FUZHOU - A pair of rare orangutans from Taiwan were shipped to Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, on Monday, starting a new life on the mainland as a token of improving mainland-Taiwan relations.

The orangutans are expected to meet the public at the Fuzhou Zoo after a month-long quarantine, according to the zoo.

In 2008, the mainland sent a pair of pandas to Taiwan as a goodwill gift, and in 2011, Taiwan gave a pair of spotted deer and two goats to the mainland.

In June 2012, the Fuzhou Zoo signed an agreement with the Pingtung Rescue Center for Endangered Wild Animals on receiving the orangutans as well as carrying out exchange and cooperation in wildlife conservation.