14-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) Le Le, Singapore’s first giant panda cub, is gradually demonstrating signs of independence, prompting plans for separation from his mother, Jia Jia, according to the Mandai Wildlife Group. The announcement was made during the celebrations of Le Le’s second birthday, indicating a significant milestone in the cub’s development.
Le Le’s comfort in his own space is becoming apparent, with his panda care team collaborating closely with Chinese experts to facilitate his transition to the next phase of his life, Mandai Wildlife Group stated in a press release.
The wildlife group had previously communicated that Le Le would return to China once he reaches around two years of age, achieving the required level of independence.
This recent update from Mandai indicates that further details about this transition will be revealed at a later date.
A “Natural Process” of Independence
Le Le has started displaying behaviours indicative of independence, including eating, resting, and playing alone, detached from his mother, Jia Jia. This behavioural shift is a “natural process” that reflects the pattern observed in the wild. In the natural world, panda cubs typically become independent between 18 to 24 months of age, gradually distancing themselves from their mothers as part of their growth journey.
Mandai explained, “They start displaying signs of being comfortable alone, while the mother pandas also begin to exhibit behavioural changes that lead to the eventual rejection of their cubs.” As giant pandas are solitary animals, this life stage progression aligns with their inherent nature.
To ensure a smooth separation process, the animal care team has been acclimating Le Le to a new private den separated from his mother’s. This gradual transition is intended to empower Le Le to live independently from Jia Jia when the time is right.
Full separation between Le Le and Jia Jia is anticipated to occur in the forthcoming months, with close monitoring by the dedicated panda care team. Post-separation, Le Le and Jia Jia will share their exhibit at the Giant Panda Forest in Mandai’s River Wonders park. The public will be able to observe Le Le between 10 am and 2 pm, and Jia Jia from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Birthday Festivities and Panda Progress
During Le Le’s birthday celebrations, the panda care team provided him with specially prepared food, emphasizing his growth and development. The two-year-old cub enjoyed a bamboo ice cake and presents filled with bamboo shoots. His exploration of the gifts led to an endearing incident as he toppled the boxes, eliciting laughter from the gathered crowd.
Jia Jia, Le Le’s mother, joined in the festivities by entering the enclosure to celebrate alongside her son.
Le Le’s birth in 2021 to Jia Jia and Kai Kai marked a significant achievement, as giant pandas are famously challenging to breed. The extension of Jia Jia and Kai Kai’s stay in Singapore until 2027 presents an opportunity for their care team to plan another breeding season for these beloved pandas, ensuring the continuation of their conservation efforts.
