Fu Wa (left) and Feng Yi. -filepic
PETALING JAYA: Giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi will be repatriated to China in May as Malaysia prepares to welcome a new pair under a fresh 10-year conservation agreement.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) said in a statement on Saturday (April 19) that the new agreement was signed on April 16 during the Chinese President's state visit to Malaysia.
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The collaboration allows Malaysia to host another pair of giant pandas from 2025 to 2035, continuing the longstanding International Cooperation Project on Giant Panda Conservation with the People’s Republic of China.
To prepare for their return, Fu Wa and Feng Yi will undergo a quarantine process beginning April 18 at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre (PKGP) in Zoo Negara.
“This is to ensure their health is in optimal condition, fulfil international permit requirements and allow them to acclimatise for their flight back to China,” the ministry said.
During the quarantine period, visitors will not be able to see the pandas up close but may still catch glimpses of them from the PKGP Learning Centre at designated times.
Fu Wa and Feng Yi arrived in Malaysia on May 21, 2014. Their three cubs—Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi—were born at Zoo Negara and have since been repatriated to China.
To mark the farewell, Zoo Negara will organise a series of public programmes, including a message board, documentary screenings, sessions with panda keepers, and creative competitions.
Details of these activities can be found on Zoo Negara’s website and social media platforms.
The zoo will also upgrade its facilities during the interim period before receiving the new panda pair in August 2025.
“The panda collaboration reflects the close friendship between Malaysia and China and promotes the values of cooperation, sustainability, and environmental awareness under Malaysia Madani,” the ministry added.
Malaysians are encouraged to visit Zoo Negara and participate in the farewell events for the beloved pandas before their departure.
