At around 16:00 on November 18, giant pandas "Chen Xing" and "Xiao Yue" departed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport aboard a chartered flight bound for Malaysia. They will begin a ten-year residency at Zoo Negara Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. This marks the official launch of a new round of China-Malaysia cooperative research on giant panda conservation, opening a new chapter in bilateral collaboration in the field of panda protection and research.

Rigorous Selection Process Continues China-Malaysia Giant Panda Conservation Partnership

Who are Chen Xing and Xiao Yue? Chen Xing and Xiao Yue are both five-year-old giant pandas currently transitioning from subadults to adults, and they are in robust health and full of energy, according to Ma Qiang, a keeper at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Ma said, "Chen Xing is a male giant panda born in August 2020. His father is Tai Shan, and his mother is Xiao Bai Tu. The name 'Chen Xing' symbolizes a radiant star—constantly pursuing brightness and progress—reflecting his steady and dignified character. Xiao Yue is a female giant panda born in September 2020. Her father is Lan Zai, and her mother is Shu Qin. The name 'Xiao Yue' evokes the image of a pure and gentle moon in the dawn's early light, reflecting her serene and tranquil temperament."

Why were they selected as exchange ambassadors? "This decision was based on rigorous scientific evaluation," stated Li Desheng, Deputy Director and Chief Expert of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Li explained that the selection process involved two key considerations: genetic background assessment to ensure reproductive viability upon sexual maturity, thereby continuing the research achievements of China-Malaysia panda cooperation; and comprehensive evaluation of physical development and health status to guarantee adaptability to overseas living conditions. "These two giant pandas are in their growth phase and possess relatively strong adaptability," Li noted.

As China's "national treasure", the giant panda has long served as an international symbol of friendship and peace. China-Malaysia cooperative research on giant panda conservation commenced in 2014. Back then, in order to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi embarked on their residency in Malaysia as envoys of friendship, initiating a profound transnational bond. During their 11-year residency at Zoo Negara Malaysia, Fu Wa and Feng Yi received professional care from their Malaysian hosts and successfully raised three healthy cubs—Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi—bringing immense joy to local people.

In May this year, in accordance with prior agreements and through friendly consultation and thorough preparation, Fu Wa and Feng Yi safely returned to China (their three offspring had previously returned safely in accordance with the agreement). Concurrently, the two countries signed a new round of the Giant Panda Conservation and Cooperative Research Agreement, jointly opening a new chapter in their collaborative efforts.

"I hope they will swiftly adapt to their new life in Malaysia and safely welcome new cubs in the future," said Li Desheng, expressing his hopes for this new chapter of cooperation. "The previous China-Malaysia collaboration achieved significant results in panda husbandry, reproduction, and disease control. In the new round of cooperation, it is hoped that we can build on the previous efforts and make further progress, jointly contributing to the global wildlife conservation cause."

Meticulous Preparations Ensure Smooth Transition to Overseas Life

With the flight from Chengdu to Kuala Lumpur exceeding four hours, how was safety ensured throughout the journey? How will giant pandas from Sichuan adapt to tropical Malaysia as soon as possible? The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda has long had comprehensive plans in place to address these concerns raised by panda enthusiasts.

Earlier, the center conducted a 30-day quarantine for Chen Xing and Xiao Yue in accordance with requirements, performing comprehensive health examinations, including X-rays, ultrasound scans, and blood tests, to ensure both pandas were in optimal health and in stable condition. During the quarantine period, the care team increased the frequency of interactive feeding sessions—engaging in 2-3 cage-side interactions every day by offering apples and carrots to further strengthen their trust.

For this transfer, the center dispatched an experienced team of animal keepers and veterinarians to accompany the pandas. The specialists will remain in Malaysia for an extended period to provide professional technical support and help Chen Xing and Xiao Yue adapt to the new environment as soon as possible.

Deng Linhua, a veterinarian at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, noted that during long-distance transport, giant pandas may indeed exhibit stress responses such as mental anxiety and reduced appetite. To address this, the center conducted pre-transport acclimation training to familiarize the pandas with crate environments, while preparing anti-stress medications. "The accompanying team also carried their preferred bamboo, bamboo shoots, fruits, vegetables, and formulated feeds, ensuring dietary continuity during the journey."

The Malaysian side has also made comprehensive preparations to welcome Chen Xing and Xiao Yue. The Zoo Negara Malaysia has completed comprehensive upgrades to the panda enclosure, including structural modifications to walls to reduce the giant pandas' climbing risks and removal of artificial rock formations to create a safer, more level activity area that better aligns with the giant pandas' biological needs. Throughout this process, Chinese and Malaysian experts conducted multiple online and offline exchanges to jointly optimize the giant panda habitat.

Li Desheng noted that the Malaysian side has assigned great importance to panda care, deploying five keepers and four veterinarians to ensure proper daily management and health maintenance. The decade-long cooperation has yielded substantial experience, enabling the Malaysian team to independently address common health issues. When necessary, Chinese experts remain available to provide support through online and offline channels. "As for the pandas' dietary needs, Zoo Negara Malaysia has cultivated three bamboo species favored by giant pandas, fully meeting their nutritional requirements during their residency," Li added.