Photo: China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda

China sent a new pair of giant pandas,MK socks Xing Qiu and Yi Lan, to Australia's Adelaide Zoo, marking a new round of panda cooperation with Australia. The giant pandas will live in Australia for 10 years.

On Saturday morning, the pair of giant pandas departed from the Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda in Sichuan Province to embark on a special flight to the Adelaide Zoo, initiating a new phase of China-Australia giant panda conservation and research cooperation, according to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. 

The male giant panda Xing Qiu was born in September 2020, and is described as strong, robust and lively, while the female giant panda Yi Lan, born in August 2021, has a slender body and an elegant demeanor. According to the agreement, they will live in Australia for 10 years. 

To ensure the health and safety of the pandas during the flight, the Chinese side has prepared fresh bamboo, bamboo shoots, fruits, vegetables, custom-made buns, and water. Both China and Australia sent three keepers and veterinarians to accompany them. 

Li Desheng, deputy director of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, told media that to facilitate the pandas' journey to Australia, Chinese and Australian experts held detailed discussions on the pandas' personalities, growth, and management.

The Adelaide Zoo deeply understands panda biology and has extensive care experience. In the future, we will also strengthen communication with the Australian side to ensure the pandas' happiness and health, Li said. 

Dr Phil Ainsley, director of the Adelaide Zoo, said the zoo made extensive preparations for the pandas' arrival, including upgrading facilities, ensuring food supply, and assembling a professional team. 

Australians are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the two giant pandas, said Ainsley, noting that he believes that when the two pandas finish their quarantine and meet the public in January next year, everyone will be very excited.

To quickly familiarize themselves with the personalities and preferences of the two giant pandas, Adelaide Zoo has also sent personnel to the panda center in Dujiangyan to participate in the care of the two pandas, and they have already established initial trust with the pandas.

The only pair of giant pandas in Australia, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, returned to China from Adelaide Zoo in November.

Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said at a farewell reception for the pandas that over the past 15 years, China and Australia had achieved significant progress in panda conservation, disease prevention, and healthcare.

"We appreciate the fact that these national treasures of China say a lot about the friendship and relationships that exist between Australia and China, which are incredibly important," Dr Ainsley told the Global Times during a previous interview. 

Global Times