Giant Pandas “Xing Qiu” and “Yi Lan” Depart for Adelaide Zoo in Australia

At 9:00 AM on December 14, giant pandas “Xing Qiu (星秋)” and “Yi Lan (怡兰)” left the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center (referred to as the Panda Center) in Dujiangyan. They are flying on a special plane to Adelaide Zoo in Australia to begin a new phase of China-Australia giant panda conservation and research collaboration.

The male giant panda “Xing Qiu” was born in September 2020. He is robust, lively, and active. The female giant panda “Yi Lan” was born in August 2021. She is slender, quiet, and graceful. According to the agreement, they will live in Australia for 10 years.

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To ensure the health and safety of the pandas during the flight, the Chinese side carefully prepared fresh bamboo, bamboo shoots, fruits and vegetables, specially made bear cakes, and drinking water. Both sides also dispatched three caretakers and veterinarians to accompany the pandas. At the scene, the two pandas were seen curiously peering out of their transport crates, displaying their adorable expressions.

In November 2009, giant pandas “Wang Wang (网网)” and “Fu Ni (福妮)” were sent to Adelaide Zoo, marking the beginning of China-Australia giant panda conservation research cooperation. During their time in Australia, the two pandas attracted over 5 million visitors and more than 500,000 students to admire them. In November this year, “Wang Wang” and “Fu Ni” returned to China.

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The new round of China-Australia giant panda international cooperation will deepen the cooperation in areas such as breeding management, breeding research, disease prevention, public education, and cultural promotion, effectively enhancing the level of panda conservation research.

Li Desheng, Deputy Director of the Panda Center, said in an interview with reporters that, to ensure the smooth departure of the two pandas to Australia, Chinese and Australian experts had extensive communication regarding the pandas’ personalities, growth development, and management. “Adelaide Zoo understands the biological characteristics of giant pandas very well and has rich experience in their care. In the future, we will strengthen communication with the Australian side and provide the best technical support for the happy and healthy life of the two pandas.”

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Phil Ainsley, the director of Adelaide Zoo, said that in preparation for the arrival of “Xing Qiu” and “Yi Lan,” the zoo had made a lot of preparations, including optimizing facilities, ensuring a stable food supply, and assembling a professional team. “Australians are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two pandas. I believe that when they finish their quarantine and meet the public in January next year, everyone will be very excited.”

To help familiarize themselves with the pandas’ personalities and preferences, Adelaide Zoo sent staff to the Panda Center in Dujiangyan to participate in the pandas’ care and has already established initial trust with the pandas.

Alia Hayward, the panda keeper who has accompanied “Wang Wang” and “Fu Ni” for 15 years, will continue to care for “Xing Qiu” and “Yi Lan.” “Xing Qiu loves interacting with the caretakers, and “Yi Lan” eats very quickly,” she said. She looks forward to developing a deep bond with the two pandas and is eager to show them their new habitat and toys in Australia.