Southern Hemisphere's only pair of giant pandas return to China

The only pair of giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, have left Adelaide Zoo on Friday for China.

Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said on Thursday at a farewell reception that over the past 15 years, China and Australia had achieved significant progress in panda conservation, disease prevention and healthcare.

The panda pair had been exceptionally well-cared for thanks to the dedication and hard work of the zoo staff, who had provided them with a safe, warm home for healthy growth, he added.

China and Australia launched a joint program for the conservation and research of giant pandas in 2009, when Wang Wang and Fu Ni arrived at Adelaide Zoo, becoming the only pair of giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere.

Xiao said the key to sound relations between countries lies in the amity between their peoples based on mutual understanding. Giant pandas, as ambassadors of friendship, carry the warmth and goodwill of the Chinese people, sowing seeds of peace and friendship that transcend borders.

"For 15 years, they have brought joy to many Australian children, captured moments of happiness for Australian families, and become a part of countless warm memories for Australians. Today, they stand as a symbol of the deep friendship between our two peoples," the ambassador said.

Zoe Bettison, minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs of the Australian state of South Australia, said that Australian people are connected to the beautiful giant pandas, "It is with deep sadness, the gratefulness that we wave goodbye to Wang Wang and Fu Ni today."

She added that people in South Australia were absolutely delighted when it was announced that two young giant pandas would come to Adelaide Zoo later. "This continues conservation. This continues our friendship. We wait for them to join us," the minister said.

(Cover: Fu Ni at her 9th birthday party at Adelaide Zoo in Australia, August 23, 2015. /CFP)