By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.
I agree
Search Trends
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Le Le, the first Singapore-born giant panda, will be moved to southwest China's city of Chengdu, dubbed "hometown of giant pandas," on Tuesday.
Two-year-old Le Le has brought much joy and excitement to the people of Singapore, particularly his caretakers. His birth came as a wonderful surprise, for pregnancy of a giant panda can only be detected in the last seven days, and in Le Le's case veterinary doctors were only given a "five-day notice" from his mother Jia Jia.
Under the dedicated care of his Singaporean guardians and with the help of Chinese experts, Le Le enjoyed a happy childhood in the River Wonders wildlife park.
Le Le sat below a banner depicting a Singapore Airlines boarding pass with his photo in Singapore, December 13, 2023. /CFP
Before heading for Chengdu to join more of his kind in China's giant panda conservation program, Le Le made a final public appearance on December 13 before entering quarantine. About 1,000 visitors came to bid farewell to the beloved panda, according to the Mandai Wildlife Group.
"We've been honored to be Le Le's custodian for just over two years, and to be precise, two years and four months. I fondly recall the day we were told by our veterinary team that Jia Jia was actually pregnant, and just five days later she gave birth. And since then, an amazing 1.8 million people have come here to River Wonders to visit Le Le," said Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai.
Mandai carefully prepared Le Le for his trip to Chengdu, making sure that he would have a comfortable flight.
Le Le, Singapore's first giant panda cub, eats bamboo at the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit at River Wonders in Singapore, December 13, 2023. /CFP
"We need to ensure that his journey is safe and comfortable. In this regard, our staff have started positive reinforcement training, making him feel secure and comfortable entering his transport crate. We place his favorite food inside the crate, allowing him to rest comfortably inside. Once the quarantine period is over, we will close the crate and then carefully transport him to the airport in comfort and safety," said Dr Cheng Wen Haur, deputy CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group.
In Singapore, people are sad to see Le Le leave, but happy that he is going to Chengdu.
"It's a bit sad because Singaporeans won't be able to see Le Le anymore. But I'm also happy for him because he's going to China," said one visitor.
"Best wishes to Le Le. Going to China means you can bring joy to even more people," said another.
(Cover image via CFP)