At 7:10 p.m. Beijing time on May 18, giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi, who had been living in Malaysia, safely arrived at the Ya’an Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, accompanied by experts from both China and Malaysia. The two pandas will now undergo at least one month of quarantine and health observation at the base.
Born on August 23, 2006, at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Fu Wa and Feng Yi were sent to Malaysia’s National Zoo on May 20, 2014, as goodwill ambassadors to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. Their mission initiated a 10-year program of panda conservation and cultural exchange.
As the first pair of giant pandas to reside in Malaysia, Fu Wa and Feng Yi quickly became beloved animal celebrities due to their lively and adorable nature. According to a transitional agreement signed between the two countries in 2024, the original cooperation period—set to end on May 20, 2024—was extended to May 20, 2025.
During their stay in Malaysia, Fu Wa and Feng Yi successfully bred and raised three cubs in three litters: Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi. All three cubs were repatriated to China in August 2023 and are currently in good health.
To ensure the safe return of Fu Wa and Feng Yi, the panda center dispatched a veterinary expert to Malaysia in advance to assist with care, behavior training, health checks, and evaluations. This expert, along with Malaysian keepers, escorted the pandas safely back to China.
In the near future, Fu Wa and Feng Yi will be gradually introduced to the public. Their daily life and health updates will be available via the official platforms of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
It is also reported that a new round of panda conservation and research cooperation between China and Malaysia will be launched later this year.