Liu Haiyang, a Tsinghua University student who injured two bears in Beijing Zoo with sulfuric acid in February, can continue his study "under supervision", the university decided.

The university publicized the punishment on its official website before its new term started in September 9, reports Beijingnews.com.

Liu tossed acid towards the bears in the zoo, causing two serious burn injuries - with one of the animals going blind as a result.

He wanted to see if the bears have acute olfaction as he had read, Liu said when explaining his motive.

People were shocked that a student of an elite Chinese university could be capable of such "irresponsibility and cruelty".

Some called for legal prosecution. But Tsinghua later urged the public to give him a chance.

(China Daily 03/09/2002)