PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to welcome a new pair of giant pandas, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, for a 10 year stay at Zoo Negara, with their specially arranged flight scheduled to depart Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 3.45pm.
The estimated flying time is four hours and 15 minutes.
After health checks and clearance on arrival, the pandas are expected to reach Zoo Negara after 9.30pm.
The China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda confirmed the transfer.
It said Chen Xing, formerly Bai Feng, and Xiao Yue, formerly Xing Yi, will begin their journey to Malaysia on Tuesday (Nov 18).
Chen Xing is a male born on August 19, 2020.
He is known for a lively, energetic temperament and enjoys climbing and splashing in water.
Xiao Yue is a female born on September 29, 2020.
She has a gentler, composed personality and is fond of food, with a slightly rounder build.
Their arrival follows the recent extension of the panda conservation agreement between Malaysia and China.
The agreement was renewed for another decade during President Xi Jinping’s state visit on April 16 and continues both nations’ long standing ties and commitment to wildlife conservation.
It is understood that Akmal Hadi Samsuddin will not continue as caretaker for the new pair.
Akmal, known as “nanny daddy” among panda fans, cared for the previous pandas.
Fu Wa and Feng Yi arrived in 2014 as part of China’s panda loan programme.
Their visit marked 40 years of Malaysia–China diplomatic ties.
In Malaysia, Fu Wa was renamed Xing Xing, meaning prosperity.
Feng Yi became Liang Liang, meaning pretty.
They became firm favourites with Malaysians over the decade.
Their stay produced three cubs, Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi.
The new pair will undergo mandatory quarantine on arrival.
They are expected to be introduced to the public early next year.
