CHENGDU - Two giant pandas flew from southwest China's Sichuan province to Australia on Saturday afternoon, marking a new round of Sino-Australian cooperation in giant panda conservation and research.
A four-year-old male Xingqiu and a three-year-old female Yilan, both from the Dujiangyan base of the China Centre for Giant Panda Conservation and Research, will settle in Adelaide Zoo for the next ten years.
To ensure their health and safety during the flight, fresh bamboo, bamboo shoots, fruits, vegetables, specially made steamed buns and drinking water were carefully prepared. Experienced breeders and veterinary experts from China and Australia accompany the pandas on their journey.
Upon arrival at Adelaide Zoo, Xingqiu and Yilan will be quarantined. The Chinese experts travelling with them will stay temporarily on site to help the pandas adjust to their new environment.
Adelaide Zoo has upgraded its facilities to welcome the new arrivals, provided ample food and assigned an experienced nursing and research team to care for the pandas.
The zoo, Australia's second oldest zoo, is home to more than 200 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. In 2009, the zoo began housing two more pandas, Wangwang and Funi, which have attracted more than 5 million visitors. The pair returned to China this November.
The new partnership, which builds on the successes of past collaborations, will further develop cooperation in areas such as breeding research, disease prevention, public education and cultural exchange. The initiative aims to strengthen research efforts and promote closer people-to-people relations between China and Australia.
Xinhua/ gnews - RoZ
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