Giant panda cub farewelled in Singapore ahead of return to China conservation program

Singapore’s first giant panda cub, Le Le, is making his final appearance at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit before entering quarantine and preparing for his flight to China on 16th January 2024.

About 1,000 guests turned up at the park today to bid farewell to Le Le on his last day in his exhibit at the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest. After the announcement in September 2023 that Le Le would be heading to China, thousands of families in Singapore and international visitors have come to see him. All eyes have been on this furry resident’s growth since his surprise arrival in August 2021, and he is now just a month away from his journey to China where he will officially join the country’s giant panda conservation programme.

Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy Chief Executive of Life Sciences and Operations and Chief Life Sciences Officer, Mandai Wildlife Group noted “China’s giant panda programme is a great example of the One Plan Approach that leverages the strengths of ex-situ and in-situ partners in collaborative efforts. We are honoured to contribute as a zoological institution, and we look forward to continuing this important work.

“We have watched our giant panda cub grow into the confident, inquisitive and independent bear that he is today. He is adored by all who have had the privilege of caring for him and we are excited to celebrate with him in his continuing role as an ambassador for his species. It is so heartening to see people of all walks of life coming together for Le Le, and cheering him on in the next chapter of his life. We have been able to mark these important milestones in species conservation because of our dedicated animal care and veterinary teams, our Chinese colleagues from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and the generous support of our sponsors SIA and Pavilion Capital.”

Le Le will board a specially arranged Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400F freighter aircraft, which will depart Singapore Changi International Airport at 7.15pm local time for Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The freighter is designed for versatile cargo transport, fitted with tracks, locks, and rollers to accommodate different types of cargo. The aircraft nose door can be opened upwards to accommodate Le Le’s custom-made crate and his travel essentials, which include his in-flight meal consisting of up to 50kg of bamboo, bamboo shoots, fruit, pellets and water.

The ambient cabin temperature will be maintained between 15°C and 16°C, consistent with the temperature of Le Le’s habitat at River Wonders’ Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest. To ensure his in-flight care and well-being, Le Le will be accompanied by a keeper and veterinarian from Mandai Wildlife Group, as well as a keeper from China who arrives in Singapore prior, for the transition involving Le Le’s care regime. After Le Le arrives in Chengdu at approximately 11.30pm local time, he will be transported to a quarantine facility in Huaying, Guang’an City, Sichuan Province.

Image: Singapore’s first giant panda cub is all set for his month-long quarantine before he heads to his new home. He has received vaccinations and will be undergoing thorough health checks to ensure he is ready to start the new chapter. Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group