9-3-2024 (CHENGDU) Le Le, Singapore’s first giant panda cub, has made his highly anticipated public debut in China. After spending nearly two months in quarantine, Le Le emerged into his new home at the Dujiangyan Panda Base, located near Chengdu, Sichuan province. The adorable cub was seen exploring his enclosure and delighting visitors with his playful nature.
The Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Chengdu shared a heartwarming video of Le Le’s first public appearance on Chinese social media platform Weibo. In the footage, Le Le can be seen slowly emerging from an opening in the wall, capturing the excitement of the onlookers. He then climbed up a platform, curiously sniffing and pawing at a log before venturing off to explore the rest of his new surroundings.
Le Le’s adjustment to his new home has been smooth, according to Chengdu Consul-General Joel Tan, who visited the panda cub. Tan mentioned that Le Le’s parents had sent their regards and expressed their happiness that he has settled in well. The young panda now shares his living space with two other pandas, Qingzai and Qingbao, who are siblings from the Wolong Panda Base.
In another heartwarming video shared on Weibo, Le Le was captured playing with his new friend, Qingzai. The two pandas rolled around on the ground, playfully wrestling and causing leaves to stick to their fur. Their adorable antics drew smiles from all who witnessed the heartwarming interaction.
Apart from his playful nature, Le Le’s dietary habits were also highlighted during the visit. Mr. Tan inquired about Le Le’s daily food intake and was informed that the panda cub consumes approximately 5kg of bamboo shoots, 1kg of carrots, and is treated to a “bamboo buffet” consisting of 25kg of bamboo leaves daily. Additionally, Le Le enjoys about 1kg of Chinese cornbread, a steamed bread made from cornmeal.
Le Le’s journey to China was marked with special treatment. He arrived safely on 16th January, onboard a Singapore Airlines flight, after completing an initial quarantine period at River Wonders in Singapore. Upon his arrival in China, Le Le underwent a second round of mandatory quarantine to ensure his health and well-being.
His relocation to the Dujiangyan Panda Base is part of China’s giant panda conservation program, aimed at protecting and preserving this endangered species. Le Le’s presence in China signifies a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts in panda conservation.
