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Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Giant pandas: Cute and cuddly, or at their best in the wild?
Unlike other species of bear, the giant panda does not hibernate in winter months. — PxHere photo THE Malaysian government in March extended the loan agreement between China and Malaysia for two giant pandas, Fu Wa and Feng Yi, at Zoo Negara. Then-Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the decision reflected the government's support for the pandas' continued presence, which has drawn significant interest from visitors to the national zoo. Fu Wa and Feng Yi, also known by their Malaysian names Xing Xing and Liang Liang, were first loaned to Malaysia in 2014 to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. It is a very kind gesture from China to loan these bears for world zoos to display in their enclosures for the public to view; for most people will never get the chance to see them in their natural habitats. The closest I have ever been to a giant panda was in Singapore Zoo about nine years ago. God-willing, I hope to see them in the wild in China before I expire. A once very threatened species of bear, now down listed to vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of species facing extinction, this says much for their protection in China, where the giant panda is seen as the national animal and appears also in the logo of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Natural habitat Pandas live at heights of between 1,500 metres and 3,250 metres in submontane, misty forests of south-central China, mostly in the Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. These bears have taken to these habitats having been forced out of lower land areas where they once lived. This has been caused by increasing population pressure, industrial expansion, and the inevitable loss of its natural food source – bamboo! Seedlings of this plant can take up to 20 years to mature before they meet a panda's dietary requirements. The giant panda, like most bears, has the digestive system of a carnivore but this system has been adapted to eating young bamboo shoots for over 90 per cent of its diet, supplemented by other plants, bird's eggs, and small rodents. It consumes over 50kg of bamboo daily. Defining characteristics The best known of the two species of giant panda is that of the black and white variety (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) with its black fur around its eyes, ears, and each of its legs extending up over its shoulders. The sub-species (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis) lives exclusively in the Qinling Mountains, displaying a light and dark brown fur. The former, when on all four legs, is about 91cm tall to its shoulders and up to 2.1 metres in length. In its natural habitat, the male bears weigh up to 114kg, while females weigh a steady 100kg. On its paws, a modified wrist bone provides a pseudo-thumb, which allows the panda to grip objects easily. Unlike other species of bear, it does not hibernate in winter months but moves down to lower altitudes, and keeps cool in summer months by migrating higher up the submontane environment. Breeding Female pandas are sexually mature from four years old, giving birth up to the age of 20. Whilst seen as pairs in zoos, they tend to live separate lives as male and female and really only get together for mating purposes when they attract each other by laying scents and with calls. Usually, two cubs are born in the spring with only one strong enough to reach maturity. The cubs live with their mother for up to three years before making their own ways in life. Visitors observing the giant panda, Feng Yi, at Zoo Negara on Aug 29, 2023. — Malay Mail photo Preserving the native environment China established its first giant panda nature reserve in 1963 and today there are very many such reserves. It is a criminal offence to hunt pandas with very harsh penalties imposed for those caught poaching. Chengdu, in Sichuan Province, has become the national and international 'panda capital of the world' as it has four giant panda sanctuaries containing 80 per cent of the world's such bears. Tourists visiting that huge city of more than 20 million people are flabbergasted for the variety of products on sale, all inscribed or decorated with a panda motif. Most importantly in that city is the Chengdu Research Centre of Giant Panda Breeding. History of giant panda in the Western world It was only 156 years ago that the western world first knew about this mammal from a French missionary, Armand David, who received a pelt from a hunter. It took another 47 years before this species was observed and captured by a German zoologist on an expedition to China. Sadly, the cub died shortly after capture. Twenty years later, in 1936, Ruth Harkness, an American fashion designer, socialite and expeditioner, brought a giant panda cub to live in Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, USA. Beginning in 1984, China allowed zoos to keep giant pandas for 10 years, with each zoo paying up to US$1 million (RM4.236 million) each year for the lease and with a guarantee that any cubs born would be returned to China. One can fully understand why China protects its own unique species and insists on these bears returning from foreign pastures. These bears also once freely roamed mountainous areas of North Vietnam and Myanmar but no longer. Today, these bears must be protected from extinction and whilst it is a great honour and wonderful to observe such animals in zoos, they need to be in their natural habitat. The costs of keeping such bears in captivity to include air-conditioning and providing alternative sources of food together with the price per year that their native land imposes for their overseas stay runs into extraordinary figures. Their future lies in their homeland, China – in its natural reserves, away from people and the very fast developments of the 21st century forever threatening these bears of their very existence. I witnessed Eurasian Brown bears in captivity in bile farms in Transylvania, Romania in 1992 and seen them free, roaming in their natural habitats in the pine wood forests there and that is another tale, but I do know which environments bears prefer to live and well away from human interference.
South China Morning Post
21-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Chinese pandas over local wildlife? Malaysians debate cost of hosting a new pair
As pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi return to China after more than a decade in Malaysia, the public is questioning the cost of hosting a fresh pair of the endangered bears – money which could be spent instead on protecting endangered local wildlife and supporting the beleaguered national zoo. Malaysia , home to an estimated 170,000 species across its ancient rainforests, rivers and seas, is one of only 17 'megadiverse countries' labelled as such by US-based environmental organisation Conservation International for housing most of the Earth's species. More than 1,100 animal species in Malaysia are listed as threatened, from the Malayan tiger and tapir to the Bornean orangutan. Pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi, who arrived in 2014 on loan from Beijing as part of their 'panda diplomacy' programme, were hailed as a conservation success, producing three cubs over seven years – a rare feat for pandas in captivity. Giant panda Feng Yi enters a quarantine lair at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda on Sunday after leaving Malaysia. Photo: Xinhua Housed in a purpose-built, climate-controlled enclosure at Kuala Lumpur's National Zoo, the pair drew steady crowds but also criticism over maintenance costs.
South China Morning Post
21-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Chinese pandas over Malaysian wildlife? Malaysians debate cost of hosting a new pair
As pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi return to China after more than a decade in Malaysia, the public is questioning the cost of hosting a fresh pair of the endangered bears – money which could be spent instead on protecting endangered local wildlife and supporting the beleaguered national zoo. Malaysia , home to an estimated 170,000 species across its ancient rainforests, rivers and seas, is one of only 17 'megadiverse countries' labelled as such by US-based environmental organisation Conservation International for housing most of the Earth's species. More than 1,100 animal species in Malaysia are listed as threatened, from the Malayan tiger and tapir to the Bornean orangutan. Pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi, who arrived in 2014 on loan from Beijing as part of their 'panda diplomacy' programme, were hailed as a conservation success, producing three cubs over seven years – a rare feat for pandas in captivity. Giant panda Feng Yi enters a quarantine lair at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda on Sunday after leaving Malaysia. Photo: Xinhua Housed in a purpose-built, climate-controlled enclosure at Kuala Lumpur's National Zoo, the pair drew steady crowds but also criticism over maintenance costs.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
A beary emotional goodbye
KUALA LUMPUR: Emotions ran high as some 40 panda enthusiasts gathered at Zoo Negara in the early hours to bid farewell to giant panda pair, Fu Wa and Feng Yi. By 5am, 'loyal fans', some of whom travelled from other states, were already waiting patiently at the zoo's gates, hoping for one last glimpse of the pandas before they left for China via the KL International Airport yesterday. At 7.15am, the convoy carrying the pandas rolled out of Zoo Negara. As the vehicles passed, tearful fans waved, snapped photos and livestreamed the moment, with some calling out 'Goodbye Fu Wa and Feng Yi' through choked voices. The two pandas arrived in Malaysia on May 21, 2014, under China's panda loan programme – a symbol of goodwill marking 40 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. Once settled at Zoo Negara, they were renamed – Fu Wa became Xing Xing (prosperity) and Feng Yi became Liang Liang (pretty). Zoo Negara deputy president Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana said panda caretaker Mohd Saiffullah Md Yusuf accompanied the pandas to China and would remain there for several days to help them settle in. 'I truly appreciate the fans coming. Even though this wasn't an official farewell, their presence was huge,' he told reporters after the pandas were sent off to KLIA. Among the early risers was 56-year-old Chin Lee Peng, who arrived at 5am with seven friends. Not content with just seeing them off at the zoo, she also wanted to head to the airport to wave a final goodbye. 'Since I heard the pandas would be leaving, I've been visiting the zoo every weekend. 'I'm sad but I take comfort knowing that they are returning to their homeland. 'I wish them a healthy and happy life,' she added. Chin said she plans to visit the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Wolong next week to catch a glimpse of Yi Yi – the second panda born in Malaysia which was sent back to China and made her public debut this month. For 27-year-old Lily Atikah, who arrived at 5.30am, the morning was filled with bittersweet feelings. 'I'm sad to see them go, but I fully support Malaysia welcoming another panda pair. 'This collaboration with China on conservation is important. 'Not everyone can afford to travel to China, but when they're here, we get to visit them often. 'I'm really looking forward to meeting the new pandas,' she added. Mazni Zainudin, 39, said she was already heartbroken last year when cubs Sheng Yi and Yi Yi left. 'Now it's their parents' turn to go ... It's so emotional. 'If I ever get the chance to visit them in China, I'll be overjoyed. 'I've been following updates on Chinese social media, and I was so happy to learn Yi Yi has finally been exhibited to the public,' she said. Mazni first fell in love with pandas, thanks to the animated film Kung Fu Panda. 'Then Malaysia actually received real pandas – what a dream come true! It's more than just animals – it's a symbol of our enduring friendship with China,' she added. Goh Leang Leang, 54, has been following the pandas closely since 2022. She arrived alone at 5.30am after driving from home without informing anyone. Goh, who will travel to Chengdu and Chongqing next March, said the entire nine-day trip would be dedicated to visiting pandas. 'This will be my second panda tour,' she said, adding that she especially wanted to visit Nuan Nuan, the first panda born in Malaysia, which now lives in Nanjing. Shaira Ali, 41, shared a heartfelt tribute, saying that pandas had brought colour and comfort into her life. 'They filled the empty spaces in my heart with happiness, sketched smiles across my face when I needed them most, and were like silent therapists during my darkest days,' she said. She added that she would continue following Zoo Negara's updates, holding onto hope for the arrival of a new panda pair. During their time in Malaysia, Fu Wa and Feng Yi started a family, producing three cubs – Nuan Nuan, born on Aug 18, 2015; Yi Yi on Jan 14, 2018; and Sheng Yi, on May 31, 2021. Later, the momentous send-off held at the Animal Hotel of KLIA was attended by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Too Kim and representatives from the Chinese Embassy. The pandas departed at 11.28am, headed to Chengdu, via a cargo aircraft. In a statement, the ministry said Malaysia would continue its collaboration with China under a new agreement signed on April 16 during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia. Under the agreement, Malaysia will receive a new pair of giant pandas for a 10-year period from 2025 to 2035.
The Star
18-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Giant pandas, Fu Wa, Feng Yi return safely to China, begin one-month quarantine
Feng Yi (pic) and Fu Wa have arrived at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) on Sunday, May 18, 2025 to begin their one-month quarantine. Photo: CCRC General Panda Centre/Weibo PETALING JAYA: Giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi have arrived safely at the Ya'an base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), following their departure from Malaysia after more than a decade abroad. The pair touched down at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at approximately 3pm on Sunday (May 18) aboard SF Airlines cargo flight O3292, after a flight lasting over four hours. Later that evening, at around 7:10pm, they were transported to the Ya'an base under the care of experts from both China and Malaysia. The pandas are now undergoing a mandatory quarantine period of at least one month. The two pandas arrived in Malaysia on May 21, 2014 under China's panda loan programme, a symbol of goodwill marking 40 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. Once settled at Zoo Negara, they were renamed - Fu Wa became Xing Xing ('prosperity') and Feng Yi became Liang Liang ('pretty'). As Malaysia's first resident giant pandas, they quickly became beloved figures, playing a major role in deepening public interest in conservation and strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. In 2024, a transitional agreement extended the original 10-year panda loan, initially set to end in May 2024, by one year, allowing the pandas to remain in Malaysia until May 2025. Over their 11-year stay, Fu Wa and Feng Yi produced three cubs: Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi. All three have since been repatriated to China, with their health reported to be in good condition. In preparation for the pandas' return, the CCRCGP dispatched a veterinary specialist to Malaysia to assist with panda care and behavioural training, and to coordinate with Malaysian caretakers on health evaluations and travel logistics. The pandas were accompanied on their journey by personnel from both countries. Zoo Negara deputy president Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana said panda caretaker Mohd Saiffullah Md Yusuf accompanied the pandas to China and would remain there for several days to help them settle in. The Ya'an base had prepared extensively for the arrival, ensuring quarantine facilities, disinfection procedures, food supplies, and healthcare plans were in place. Officials said every effort is being made to help the pandas adapt to their new environment, with plans for them to be reintroduced to the public once the quarantine period is complete. With the return of Fu Wa and Feng Yi to China, the panda pair have fulfilled their 10-year role as symbolic ambassadors of Malaysia–China relations. Their departure, along with their three cubs, left many Malaysian panda fans feeling emotional, as they bid a fond and heartfelt farewell to the beloved family of five, sending them off with blessings and well wishes. However, Malaysia will continue its collaboration with China under a new agreement signed on April 16 during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia. Under the agreement, Malaysia will receive a new pair of giant pandas for a 10-year period from 2025 to 2035.
