Panda sanctuary in Indonesia opens to public

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A panda sanctuary in Indonesia, home to Cai Tao and Hu Chun, opened its doors to the public on Sunday in an event officiated by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong who is currently on a four-day visit to the country.

“I hope with this conservation program we can see a positive progress and outcome in economic, social and cultural areas and in strengthening the ecosystems of China and Indonesia,” said Liu.

Cai Tao and Hu Chun are on loan to Indonesia and for the next 10 years they will be taken care of in a special enclosure at the Taman Safari park.

Taman Safari Indonesia /CGTN Photo

The sanctuary took around two years to become a reality and cost 4.5 million US dollars to construct.

The pandas' luxury enclosure consists of indoor and outdoor play areas, a comfortable sleeping area and an elevator.

One of the most important features in their enclosure is that it can be temperature controlled to mimic the pandas’ natural living conditions in China.

The temperature is maintained at a cool 17 degrees Celsius at night and a balmy 24 degrees during the day.

CGTN Photo

The park has also prepared ready-to-harvest bamboo trees on 10 hectares of land, making it easier for the panda bears to have their snacks ready anytime.

“What makes our enclosure unique compared to other countries’ is the location. It is located high up in the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery. The facilities we provide to the pandas are also exceptional. We really believe we have built the best enclosure in Asia for the panda bears,” said Jansen Manansang, Director of Taman Safari Indonesia.

The two pandas were a gift from China as part of the country’s Panda Diplomacy program.

The initiative, which began in the 1950s, aims to boost bilateral and cultural cooperation between China and recipient countries.