Bear-y special guests: Pandas Xiao Yue and Chen Xing being carefully transported off the plane upon their arrival in Malaysia. — Photo courtesy of NRES/Perhilitan
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has welcomed two new giant “ambassadors of friendship”, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue.
The pandas arrived at Zoo Negara yesterday to begin their 10-year stay, continuing the country’s conservation partnership with China.
The specially arranged flight carrying the pair departed Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 3.45pm local time and landed in Kuala Lumpur at 8.42pm.
After completing health checks and clearance procedures, the pandas were transferred to their newly renovated enclosure at Zoo Negara, where preparations had been completed to welcome them.
The China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda confirmed that the two pandas – Chen Xing (formerly Bai Feng) and Xiao Yue (formerly Xing Yi) – had set off for Malaysia to take up residence at the national zoo.
A new pair giant pandas from China, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, have landed safely at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 8.30pm on Tuesday (Nov 18). Image courtesy of NRES / PERHILITAN
Chen Xing, a male born on Aug 19, 2020, is known for his lively and playful temperament, enjoying climbing and splashing in water.
Xiao Yue, a female born on Sept 29, 2020, has a gentler, more composed personality.
She is fond of food and has a slightly rounder build, earning her a reputation as a true “foodie”.
Their arrival follows the recent renewal of the Malaysia-China panda conservation agreement, extended for another 10 years during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia on April 16.
Officials say the partnership reflects the long-standing diplomatic ties between both nations and their shared commitment to wildlife conservation.
The new pair succeeds Fu Wa and Feng Yi, known locally as Xing Xing and Liang Liang, whose 11-year stay at Zoo Negara captured the hearts of Malaysians.
The previous pair became firm favourites, producing three cubs – Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi – further cementing the pandas’ place in the public imagination.
The new pandas will undergo a mandatory quarantine period before being introduced to the public early next year.
