Pardus may find it difficult to convince other board members of the need for change.

ECONOMIST: Business in France

Drew and Frances Pardus-Abbadessa fervently hope for such a reunion with Vladimir, who they already consider their son.

WSJ: For 5 years, US families pursue Kyrgyz adoptions

Since then, said Drew Pardus-Abbadessa, they've been sending letters and packages but have been told not to visit.

WSJ: For 5 years, US families pursue Kyrgyz adoptions

The Pardus-Abbadessas are now among 16 U.S. families still waiting, five years later.

WSJ: For 5 years, US families pursue Kyrgyz adoptions

In November, Delta and UAL shares soared after hedge fund Pardus Capital Management tried to push the two together (See "Airlines May Be On Course To Combine").

FORBES: Magazine Article

"We have already bonded with this child, " said Frances Pardus-Abbadessa.

WSJ: For 5 years, US families pursue Kyrgyz adoptions

Typical forest fauna includes leopard (Panthera pardus) the lion (P. leo), the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), elephant (Loxodonta africana), the dwarf buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) and the great forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni).

UNESCO: Biosphere Reserve Information

Although Centaurus, which is run by former traders from BNP Paribas, the country's largest bank by assets, is reasonably well-regarded, Pardus, a foreign fund known for its abrasive style, is viewed with suspicion.

ECONOMIST: Business in France

The Pardus-Abbadessas, the Fenskes and the other waiting families have an ardent well-wisher in Ann Bates, a 41-year-old pediatric transport nurse from Bernville, Pennsylvania, who was one of the nine members of the Kyrgyz 65 able to complete her adoption last summer.

WSJ: For 5 years, US families pursue Kyrgyz adoptions