This photo taken on August 23, 2015, shows giant panda Fu Ni holding her 9th birthday present at Adelaide Zoo in Australia. /CFP
Wang Wang and Fu Ni are the only breeding pair of giant pandas residing in the southern hemisphere.
The two bears have been one of Adelaide Zoo's main attractions since their arrival on November 29, 2009.
Unlike many other zoos around the world that house giant pandas, Adelaide Zoo cannot import bamboo from China due to Australian customs restrictions. So, the zoo partnered up with local growers to ensure fresh supplies of bamboo for the bears.
Nearly 15 hectares of land were commissioned to grow 15 different varieties of bamboo for the zoo. As a result, Wang Wang and Fu Ni enjoy a diverse selection of five or six types of bamboo every day.
Giant panda Wang Wang cools off in a basin at Adelaide Zoo. According to the zoo’s social media posts, Wang Wang enjoys bubble baths. /Photo courtesy of Adelaide Zoo
Despite extensive efforts to try and breed giant pandas, Adelaide Zoo’s attempts have so far proved unsuccessful.
Rounds of artificial insemination were carried out over the past decade, and even though none of them resulted in pregnancy, the study still provided valuable research results in giant panda reproduction for breeders in the southern hemisphere.
Wang Wang and Fu Ni’s current status has demonstrated that giant pandas can adapt to living in the southern hemisphere after moving from the northern hemisphere and that they are capable of breeding.
The duo moved to Adelaide Zoo in November 2009 as part of a 10-year research program. The program was extended by 5 years in 2019, which has allowed them to stay until 2024.