On April 23, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda announced that two giant pandas, “He Feng (荷风)” and “Lan Yun (兰韵),” departed for Austria that day to begin a 10-year stay.
The two pandas are known for their adorable appearances. “He Feng,” an energetic and playful male whose original name was “Ke Yuan (科源)” and whose studbook number is 1347, was born on August 27, 2020. His name symbolizes the freshness of lotus flowers. “Lan Yun,” a gentle and sweet-natured female originally named “Dun Dun (顿顿)” with studbook number 1336, was born on July 29, 2020. Her name means the delicate fragrance of orchids.
To ensure the pandas’ safety and health during the journey, one Chinese veterinarian and one Austrian keeper accompanied them on the flight. The Chinese side carefully prepared fresh bamboo, bamboo shoots, specially made panda buns, drinking water, and medication. Upon arrival at Schönbrunn Zoo in Austria, He Feng and Lan Yun will undergo a quarantine period. One Chinese keeper and one veterinarian will stay in Austria for some time to help the pandas adapt to their new environment.
To ensure that the new panda pair stays healthy and comfortable during their time in Austria, a team of Chinese experts visited the upgraded panda facilities in March. They provided technical guidance on habitat setup, food supply, and healthcare. The renovated indoor area now includes new climbing structures and an automated temperature and humidity control system. The outdoor enclosure has been landscaped with tall trees, shrubs, wooden perches, artificial rocks, caves, and ponds and streams with automatic filtration systems.
In terms of food supply, a special bamboo plantation has been established to ensure a stable and sufficient food source. A professional husbandry team has also been formed, with comprehensive management systems and technical standards in place. Additionally, two keepers from Schönbrunn Zoo had previously visited the panda center in China to help care for the pandas, getting to know their personalities and dietary preferences in advance.
Schönbrunn Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world, with over 270 years of history. In 2003, China and Austria officially launched cooperation in giant panda conservation and research, establishing a strong partnership. The collaboration has yielded notable results in breeding, medical care, technical exchanges, staff training, and public education. During this cooperation, pandas “Yang Yang (阳阳)” and “Long Hui (龙徽)” set a European record by successfully giving birth to five cubs in four litters through natural mating.