Giant pandas Xingqiu and Yilan arrived in Adelaide, capital of South Australia, on Sunday morning, after an 11-hour flight that covered around 8,800 km. Coming from Sichuan Province, in southwestern China, the two animals begin a new phase in the partnership between China and Australia aimed at the conservation and research of this iconic species.
Xingqiu, a four-year-old male, and Yilan, a three-year-old female, come from the Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. They will live at Adelaide Zoo for the next 10 years as part of a cooperative agreement that includes breeding research, disease prevention, public education and cultural exchange. The arrival of pandas marks a significant step forward in global conservation efforts and the strengthening of ties between the two countries.
During the transport of the pandas, Li Dong, Chinese consul general in Adelaide, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that “the giant pandas have made a unique contribution to the development of the relationship between the people of China and Australia”. He emphasized that Chinese culture values sharing the joy that these animals bring, turning them into symbols of friendship and collaboration.
Adelaide Zoo, which already has experience in welcoming pandas, has prepared a modern and specialized infrastructure for the new arrivals. Xingqiu and Yilan will initially undergo a period of quarantine under the care of a dedicated team, with food and accommodation tailored to their needs. Between 2009 and 2023, the zoo was home to pandas Wangwang and Funi, who attracted more than 5 million visitors over 15 years. Now, with the arrival of Xingqiu and Yilan, the partnership is expected to continue inspiring the public and strengthening scientific and cultural collaboration between China and Australia.
Source: https://www.chinahoje.net/pandas-gigantes-chegam-a-australia-para-fortalecer-lacos-com-a-china/
