On May 14 (local time), giant pandas Hefeng and Lanyun from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda made their official debut at Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria.
A grand welcome ceremony was held at the zoo in honor of the new arrivals. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen delivered a speech at the event. The atmosphere was lively, with an enthusiastic crowd and excited children eager to catch a glimpse of the zoo’s newest stars.
Hefeng (荷风) and Lanyun (兰韵) arrived in Vienna on April 23, 2025, officially beginning their 10-year stay as part of a collaborative conservation and cultural exchange. They are now the latest panda celebrities at Schönbrunn Zoo.
To welcome these national treasures, the zoo has reopened its upgraded panda enclosure, which had undergone renovations in preparation for their arrival.
Hefeng, a male with a pedigree number of 1347, was born on August 27, 2020. He is energetic, playful, and known for his love of snacks – sometimes even standing on his hind legs to “measure up” to his keepers. Lanyun, a female with a pedigree number of 1336, was born on July 29, 2020, and is described as gentle and well-behaved.
China and Austria have been cooperating in giant panda conservation since 2003, achieving significant results in breeding, scientific research, disease prevention, staff training, and public education. The arrival of Hefeng and Lanyun not only continues this long-standing partnership but also brings new momentum to global endangered species conservation efforts.