CHENGDU, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Two giant pandas departed southwest China's Sichuan Province for Australia on Saturday afternoon, marking a new round of China-Australia collaboration on giant panda conservation and research.
Xingqiu, a four-year-old male, and Yilan, a three-year-old female, both from the Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, are set to settle at Adelaide Zoo for the next decade.
Fresh bamboo, bamboo shoots, fruits, vegetables, specially made steamed buns, and drinking water were carefully prepared to ensure their health and safety during the flight. Experienced keepers and veterinary experts from China and Australia are accompanying the pandas on their journey.
Upon arrival at Adelaide Zoo, Xingqiu and Yilan will undergo quarantine. Chinese experts traveling with them will stay temporarily to help the pandas adjust to their new environment.
Adelaide Zoo has upgraded its facilities to welcome the new arrivals, ensuring an ample supply of food and assigning an experienced care and research team to manage the pandas.
The zoo, Australia's second-oldest, is home to over 200 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. In 2009, two other pandas, Wangwang and Funi, began their stay at the zoo, drawing more than 5 million visitors. The pair returned to China in November this year.
Building on the success of past cooperation, the new partnership will further advance collaboration in areas such as breeding research, disease prevention, public education and cultural exchange. This initiative aims to strengthen research efforts and foster closer people-to-people ties between China and Australia. ■
