12-11-2023 (SINGAPORE) – Visitors to River Wonders will have an additional three weeks to bid farewell to Le Le, the panda cub, as his last public appearance has been rescheduled from November 20 to December 13. Following this, Le Le, born in Singapore, will undergo quarantine for over four weeks before returning to China on January 16, 2024, as announced by the Mandai Wildlife Group on Sunday.
Mandai, responsible for managing and operating Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, and Bird Paradise at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, explained that the adjustment in departure dates was due to ongoing arrangements between the group and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) for Le Le’s return to China.
The farewell campaign for Le Le continues, allowing fans to send fan mail or capture photos with his standees. The culmination of this farewell initiative will be a dedicated party at the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit on December 13, Mandai revealed.
Upon Le Le’s return to China, he will become part of the country’s conservation program aimed at safeguarding his species, Mandai stated. The panda has already received vaccinations against distemper and rabies, with thorough health checks planned during the quarantine period.
The customised crate for Le Le’s transportation to China is currently under construction, with the panda care team starting a conditioning process involving food rewards to encourage him to enter the crate voluntarily. Mandai emphasized the significance of stress-free training to ensure a smooth transfer on the day of his flight.
Le Le has been displaying signs of increased independence, engaging in activities such as eating, resting, and playing on his own. Meanwhile, his mother, Jia Jia, has begun exhibiting avoidance behaviours and initial signs of rejection, natural progression in the Giant Panda species. In preparation for their separation, Le Le and Jia Jia will soon be exhibited at different times to facilitate a smooth transition.
Under Chinese panda loan agreements, cubs born abroad are typically returned to China at the age of two. This diplomatic gesture, known as “panda diplomacy,” allows China to loan pandas to foreign countries. Le Le, born to Jia Jia and Kai Kai in 2021, became their firstborn after seven attempts to conceive. The extended stay of Jia Jia and Kai Kai in Singapore until 2027 was confirmed in 2022 through an agreement between CWCA and Mandai Wildlife Group.
