Chen Xing, Xiao Yue Depart For Malaysia, Mark New Decade Of Panda Conservation
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- From China to Malaysia, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue take off!
Amid cheers and heartfelt blessings, the Chinese giant pandas departed for Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, heralding a new phase in Malaysia-China panda conservation cooperation.
The pandas are scheduled to arrive at Zoo Negara at about 9.30 pm Tuesday.
The Embassy of China in Malaysia shared a series of photos on its official social media, showing the two pandas travelling in a special Sinotruk HOWO animal transport truck dubbed the “China National Treasure” transport vehicle, departing the Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre under close escort by staff.
The photos show the truck, bearing the English inscription 'Farewell for Giant Pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue to National Zoo, Malaysia,' arriving at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at around 4 pm.
This marks the start of a new 10-year Malaysia-China giant panda conservation and research collaboration. An agreement for this was signed in April this year during a three-day state visit to Malaysia by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to the Sichuan Province government portal, Chen Xing, a male panda born in August 2020 to father Taishan and mother Xiaobaitu, was named for his star-like brilliance, symbolising the continuous pursuit of light and progress, and is described as calm and majestic.
Xiao Yue, a female panda born in September 2020 to father Lanzi and mother Shuqin, was named to reflect the purity and gentleness of the moon at dawn, and is described as gentle and calm in temperament.
The Dujiangyan base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre began preparing the pandas for transport at around 7 am Tuesday.
Deng Linhua, a veterinarian at the panda centre, said the pandas underwent quarantine and comprehensive health checks in accordance with regulations to ensure their safe arrival in Malaysia. Both are currently in good health.
"Veterinarians and keepers will accompany the pandas throughout the journey to monitor their health and diet, and two staff members will remain in Malaysia to assist them until they adapt to their new environment," the report said.
The China Wildlife Conservation Association and the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre held a farewell ceremony on Monday for the two pandas in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province.
In 2014, Fu Wa and Feng Yi were sent to Malaysia as symbolic ambassadors to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.
With the joint efforts of the Malaysia-China panda teams, the two pandas successfully gave birth to three cubs while in Malaysia. The cubs were named Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi.
The collaboration has contributed significantly to giant panda conservation and strengthened mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Malaysia.
Fu Wa and Feng Yi returned to China in May. Their three cubs were also repatriated under the terms of the agreement.
-- BERNAMA
