Latest news with #GiantPandas
The Star
09-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Malaysia to welcome new giant pandas Chen Xing, Xiao Yue
Filepic- Second Giant Panda YI YI (left) with mother Liang Liang after the Naming Ceremony at Zoo Negara. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will soon welcome a new pair of giant pandas, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, as part of its ongoing conservation partnership with China. The announcement was made during an award ceremony held at the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Pahang, on Monday (5 July) to celebrate the return of Fu Wa (also known as Xing Xing) and Feng Yi (also known as Liang Liang), who were repatriated to China on 18 May 2025 after spending 11 years at Zoo Negara. In a Facebook post, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry stated that both the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director-general, Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, and the ministry's Biodiversity and Forestry Management Division secretary, Siva Kumar Solay Rajah, were present at the event and delivered speeches. In their speech, they stated that the mission's success was the result of close cooperation and commitment from all parties involved. They also said that the contribution was significant in maintaining the good name of the country by ensuring that Malaysia meets the obligations set by the People's Republic of China. They also hoped that the cooperation would continue in the next mission, which was to bring in a new pair of Giant Pandas, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
China is building the world's largest national parks system
China plans to overtake the United States by building the world's largest national park system, a network of wilderness bigger than Texas. Although China only created its first national park four years ago—some 149 years after the US did the same—it claims that by 2035 it will have 49 parks covering 272 million acres, triple the size of the U.S. National Park System. China has already opened five national parks, totaling 57 million acres. Collectively, the parks span alpine peaks, tropical rainforests, remote glaciers, vast deserts, and high-altitude wetlands. They also protect rare animals like the Giant Panda, Siberian Tiger, and Asian Elephant. According to the Chinese Government, these parks are also preserving cultural heritage, boosting local economies, and enticing tourists to experience the country's diverse landscapes. While domestic tourists flock to China's wilderness destinations, few foreigners follow suit, says Jun Wen, associate professor of tourism at Macau University of Science and Technology. Instead, most international visitors focus on China's giant, historic cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. However, Wen believes that will change as China expands its park system; the country will become world-renowned for nature-based tourism. (Our ancestors walked these trails hundreds of years ago. Now you can too.) China's national park system will eclipse the US version, says Mei Zhang, CEO of Wild China, one of the country's biggest tour companies. Being launched so recently gives it the advantage of learning from the mistakes of other park systems. 'While the United States pioneered the Yellowstone model—preserving vast wilderness areas—it also made significant missteps,' Zhang says. 'Such as enclosing land and forcefully displacing Indigenous communities to create an image of 'pristine' wilderness. In contrast, China has the chance to chart its own course. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between local communities and wildlife conservation, China can create a national park system that integrates cultural vitality with ecological stewardship.' That is a lofty goal, but then again, so is building the world's biggest national park system, from scratch in 14 years. China has a history of record-breaking mega-projects, from the world's largest dam to the planet's longest bridge, and an unrivalled high-speed rail network. Now China is channeling its vast wealth, ambition, and capability into protecting and showcasing its extraordinary, yet overlooked natural scenery. Here's a look at five national parks in China worth visiting now. Wen recommends visiting Giant Panda National Park, which covers 6.6 million acres of mountainous land in Central China's Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu Provinces. It protects the habitats of most of the country's 1,900 wild Giant Pandas; a species found only in China. The best time to see this park is between April and October when the weather is warmest, vegetation is thickest, and Giant Pandas are most active. All year round, parkgoers can see pandas and learn about these unique creatures at the park's panda research centers at Wolong and Dujiangyan. 'Visitors have the opportunity to explore panda habitats on foot and even volunteer to assist panda caretakers,' Wen says. 'They can observe the daily activities of pandas, including climbing trees, playing, eating, and tumbling.' Good to know: Giant Panda National Park can be reached by flying into Chengdu and then heading two hours north by bus. The park is quite isolated; so, it is most easily explored on a guided tour booked with a Chinese tour company. In addition to Giant Pandas, China's national parks aim to save rare animal species from extinction. Zhou says the endangered Amur leopards and Amur tigers are now protected in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park. Located in northeast China, this national park covers 3.5 million acres along the borders with Russia and North Korea, and it eclipses the size of any national park in the lower 48 States of the U.S. 'Through removing fencing in forest zones, reconnecting fragmented habitats, and implementing ecological translocation, the park has restored essential migration and reproduction corridors for these species,' Zhou says. Good to know: Visitors can observe some of these scientific projects up close by booking guided tours of this national park with Chinese tour operators like Benchmark. The isolated park can be reached by flying from Beijing or Shanghai into Yanji, followed by a three-to-four-hour bus ride. (China just had a museum building spree. Here are 6 of the best.) In northwest China's Qinghai Province, Sanjiangyuan National Park is 47 million acres and larger than Florida, making it China's largest park. The editor of Travel China Guide tour company, Catherine He says Sanjiangyuan is very diverse geographically. Dramatic mountains loom above glaciers, high-altitude wetlands, grassland meadows, desert plateaus, and mirrored lakes. Sanjiangyuan is called 'China's Water Tower' because it is the source region of the Yangtze, Mekong, and Yellow rivers, says He. While exploring its pristine wilderness, visitors may spot unique snow leopards and Tibetan antelopes. According to the Chinese Government, this new park is why the antelope's population has soared to 70,000. Good to know: Enter this vast park by flying into Xining or Golmud from big Chinese cities Xi'an, Shanghai, or Chengdu, and then take a relatively short bus or taxi ride. By visiting during the warmer months from May to September, visitors can hike its many trails in comfort, witness the park's grasslands in bloom, and increase their chances of seeing wildlife. The new Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is also impressive, according to Aliana Leong, Hospitality Professor from Macau University of Science and Technology. It envelops 1 million acres of Hainan, China's southernmost province. Sometimes called the 'Hawaii of China', Hainan is a picturesque island fringed by pretty beaches and with a hilly, verdant interior. 'This new national park has China's most diverse, best preserved, and largest contiguous area of tropical rainforest,' Leong says. Within its lush expanse lives 33 percent of China's reptile species, 38 percent of its bird species, 20 percent of its mammal species, and more than 3,500 plant species. Leong adds, 'It is the only habitat for the Hainan gibbon and a treasure trove of tropical biodiversity.' Good to know: This park is quickly reached by bus or taxi from either of Hainan's two international airports. Embrace its untamed vibe by joining a whitewater rafting tour through the commanding Wuzhishan Grand Canyon. (China's other great wall is impressive, too—and steeped in history.) If you're on social media, then you may have seen eye-catching images and videos of Wuyi Mountain National Park. Covering 316,000 acres of mountainous terrain in Fujian and Jiangxi Provinces, it is known for its unusual Danxia landscapes, where red stone cliffs, gorges, and peaks contrast sharply against dense, green forests. This park encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Wuyi, one of China's prettiest and most revered mountains, says Catherine He. Good to know: Visitors can follow spectacular hiking trails, go bamboo rafting on Jiuqu Stream, wander splendid tea tree groves, or admire historic mountainside temples and monasteries, she recommends. China already has thousands of protected nature reserves, says Ralf Buckley, emeritus professor of ecotourism at Australia's Griffith University. However, unlike most of the world's top national parks, those reserves don't qualify as national parks under the stringent system of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). So China designed its new national parks to meet the IUCN criteria by making them 'mainly for conservation, with limited tourism under strict regulation, and no residential housing'. China's national park system is already improving wildlife preservation, says Bin Zhou, a tourism professor at China's Ningbo University. 'China is among the most biodiverse countries in the world, while also facing significant threats to its ecosystems,' Zhou says. 'The (park system) enables the designation of high-level protection zones in key ecological function areas, critical habitats, and ecological security barriers. Ensuring the long-term survival of flagship species such as the giant panda, Amur tiger and leopard, and Asian elephant, along with their habitats.' The new parks have helped increase China's populations of 200 species of rare animals and about 100 endangered plant species, announced in May 2025. (21 photos of China's best UNESCO World Heritage sites.) China's national park system is also motivated by cultural heritage preservation, economic development, and public education, says Aliana Leong, a tourism professor at Macau University of Science and Technology. 'Many of China's national parks are rich in cultural and historical significance, so expanding the national park system helps protect ancient villages, traditional cultures, and historical sites,' she says. 'National parks also drive local economic growth through tourism. They create job opportunities, increase revenue, and promote sustainable development in rural and remote areas. (Finally) they serve as outdoor classrooms, raising public awareness of environmental protection and cultural heritage.' Andrew Nelson is the author of National Geographic's recently published travel book Here Not There. Follow him on Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
18-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysia bids farewell to giant pandas Fu Wa, Feng Yi
The van carrying giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi leaving Zoo Negara where a large crowd gathered this morning to bid farewell after their 11-year stay here. SEPANG : Giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi were officially sent home to China today, concluding their stay in Malaysia after 11 years. The pandas arrived here on May 21, 2014, under the terms of the International Giant Panda Conservation Cooperation Project. The momentous send-off held at the Animal Hotel, KLIA was attended by natural resources and environmental sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, ministry secretary-general Ching Too Kim and representatives from the Chinese embassy. In a statement, the ministry said the collaboration stands as a symbol of the close friendship between Malaysia and China, and reflects their shared commitment to sustainability. 'Therefore, Malaysia will continue to be committed to working with China in the conservation of the giant panda species and this collaboration is hoped to further strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and China, both diplomatically and economically,' the ministry said. It added that Malaysia has recorded extraordinary success in its ex-situ conservation efforts, including the birth of three panda cubs from the pair during their time here. All three panda cubs – Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi – have since been returned to China in accordance with the agreement. Nuan Nuan was repatriated on Nov 14, 2017, while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi followed on Aug 29, 2023. According to the ministry, the conservation partnership is set to continue through a new agreement signed on April 16, during Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent official visit to Malaysia. 'This renewed agreement allows Malaysia to receive another pair of giant pandas for a period of 10 years, from 2025 to 2035. Their arrival is expected later this year,' the ministry said.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From Olympic pandas to world record holders: Fu Wa and Feng Yi's legacy in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — As giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi prepare to return to China this month after residing at Zoo Negara since May 2014, the beloved pair leaves behind a lasting impact and will be missed by many. Having spent more than a decade away from their homeland at Zoo Negara, the pair have been on loan to Malaysia as part of the International Cooperation Project on Giant Panda Conservation. Trivia: Both Feng Yi and Fu Wa also hold the current world record for the fastest natural conception of panda cubs outside of China at two years (reproduction usually takes eight to nine years in captivity and often requires artificial insemination). A bear species endemic to China, giant pandas are employed as instruments of 'panda diplomacy,' a practice by China in which it sends the creatures to partner countries worldwide as potent symbols of friendship, soft power, and goodwill. As Malaysia prepares to bid this pair adieu, Malay Mail looks back at how Fu Wa and Feng Yi shaped their legacy as the first giant pandas in Malaysia. Humble beginnings Both Fu Wa, a male, and Feng Yi, a female, were born on August 23, 2006, at the world-famous Wolong Panda Reserve in Sichuan province, China. As two-year-olds (about six human years), both also lived through the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake when the earthquake struck their conservation centre — just 30km from the epicentre. Planned long before the quake, the two were also selected as part of eight prestigious 'Olympic pandas' on display at the Beijing Zoo as part of a special display during the Beijing Olympics the same year. At six years old (about 19 human years), both Fu Wa and Feng Yi were then loaned by China for 10 years in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties between the two countries. Fu Wa was renamed Xing Xing while Feng Yi was renamed Liang Liang during their stay in Malaysia. Under quarantine, giant pandas Feng Yi (left) and Fu Wa (right) in deep slumber inside their enclosure at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Proud parents During their stay at Zoo Negara's Giant Panda Conservation Centre, the pair gave birth to three giant panda cubs — a significant feat for a species known for reproductive challenges. Their eldest offspring, Nuan Nuan — a female — was born on August 18, 2015. Her name means "warmth" in Chinese — chosen to reflect the warm relations between China and Malaysia. Two other cubs, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi — both females as well — were born on January 14, 2018, and May 31, 2021, respectively. Their names mean "friendship" and "peace and friendship" respectively in Chinese. Under the terms of Chinese panda loan agreements, all cubs born on foreign soil are returned to China when they turn two. Nuan Nuan was sent back to China in November 2017, while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi left Malaysia on August 29, 2023. Altogether, the quintet are also fondly referred to as "the living symbol of China-Malaysia friendship" amongst panda fans. A zookeeper watches over a sleeping Fu Wa at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre in Zoo Negara. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Fulfilling life At 19 years old (about 57 human years), both Fu Wa and Feng Yi are now approaching the later stages of their adulthood and are therefore set for 'retirement' in an environment more suited to their natural habitat. Generally, a panda's average lifespan in the wild is 14 to 20 years, but they can live up to 30 years in captivity. As native to the mountainous region of China, both pandas maintained a diet that consisted almost entirely of bamboo leaves, stems, and shoots during their stay here. With the exact date of their return still unannounced, they have been placed under quarantine with limited public interaction since April 18. This is to ensure optimal health, meet permit requirements under international law, and undergo training to acclimatise for the flight from Malaysia to China. Visitors observe Fu Wa and Feng Yi in their enclosure from the viewing deck at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
From Olympic pandas to world record holders: Fu Wa and Feng Yi's legacy in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — As giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi prepare to return to China this month after residing at Zoo Negara since May 2014, the beloved pair leaves behind a lasting impact and will be missed by many. Having spent more than a decade away from their homeland at Zoo Negara, the pair have been on loan to Malaysia as part of the International Cooperation Project on Giant Panda Conservation. Trivia: Both Feng Yi and Fu Wa also hold the current world record for the fastest natural conception of panda cubs outside of China at two years (reproduction usually takes eight to nine years in captivity and often requires artificial insemination). A bear species endemic to China, giant pandas are employed as instruments of 'panda diplomacy,' a practice by China in which it sends the creatures to partner countries worldwide as potent symbols of friendship, soft power, and goodwill. As Malaysia prepares to bid this pair adieu, Malay Mail looks back at how Fu Wa and Feng Yi shaped their legacy as the first giant pandas in Malaysia. Humble beginnings Both Fu Wa, a male, and Feng Yi, a female, were born on August 23, 2006, at the world-famous Wolong Panda Reserve in Sichuan province, China. As two-year-olds (about six human years), both also lived through the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake when the earthquake struck their conservation centre — just 30km from the epicentre. Planned long before the quake, the two were also selected as part of eight prestigious 'Olympic pandas' on display at the Beijing Zoo as part of a special display during the Beijing Olympics the same year. At six years old (about 19 human years), both Fu Wa and Feng Yi were then loaned by China for 10 years in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties between the two countries. Fu Wa was renamed Xing Xing while Feng Yi was renamed Liang Liang during their stay in Malaysia. Under quarantine, giant pandas Feng Yi (left) and Fu Wa (right) in deep slumber inside their enclosure at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Proud parents During their stay at Zoo Negara's Giant Panda Conservation Centre, the pair gave birth to three giant panda cubs — a significant feat for a species known for reproductive challenges. Their eldest offspring, Nuan Nuan — a female — was born on August 18, 2015. Her name means "warmth" in Chinese — chosen to reflect the warm relations between China and Malaysia. Two other cubs, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi — both females as well — were born on January 14, 2018, and May 31, 2021, respectively. Their names mean "friendship" and "peace and friendship" respectively in Chinese. Under the terms of Chinese panda loan agreements, all cubs born on foreign soil are returned to China when they turn two. Nuan Nuan was sent back to China in November 2017, while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi left Malaysia on August 29, 2023. Altogether, the quintet are also fondly referred to as "the living symbol of China-Malaysia friendship" amongst panda fans. A zookeeper watches over a sleeping Fu Wa at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre in Zoo Negara. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Fulfilling life At 19 years old (about 57 human years), both Fu Wa and Feng Yi are now approaching the later stages of their adulthood and are therefore set for 'retirement' in an environment more suited to their natural habitat. Generally, a panda's average lifespan in the wild is 14 to 20 years, but they can live up to 30 years in captivity. As native to the mountainous region of China, both pandas maintained a diet that consisted almost entirely of bamboo leaves, stems, and shoots during their stay here. With the exact date of their return still unannounced, they have been placed under quarantine with limited public interaction since April 18. This is to ensure optimal health, meet permit requirements under international law, and undergo training to acclimatise for the flight from Malaysia to China. Visitors observe Fu Wa and Feng Yi in their enclosure from the viewing deck at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
