Zoo Negara, Malaysia's national zoo, has garnered international recognition from the Chinese government for its exceptional care of giant pandas. This accolade comes as a result of the successful Giant Panda Conservation efforts undertaken by the zoo since 2014, featuring the beloved panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang.

Deputy President of Zoo Negara, Datuk Rosly@Rahmat Amat Lana, proudly announced this achievement, highlighting the effectiveness of the program in facilitating the birth of panda cubs within a relatively short span of time.

The recognition was granted after thorough audits conducted by Chinese panda experts who visit Zoo Negara annually. This year, the experts assessed the panda conservation practices from July 26th to 28th. They observed firsthand how the pandas are cared for, including feeding and overall wellbeing.

The celebration of the repatriation of pandas Yi Yi and Sheng Yi at Zoo Negara's Giant Panda Conservation Centre was the perfect occasion for this announcement. The offspring of Xing Xing and Liang Liang, these pandas have played a significant role in strengthening the diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. Xing Xing and Liang Liang were loaned to Malaysia in 2014 as part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Yi Yi, born on January 14th, 2018, and Sheng Yi, born on May 30th, 2021, have been living testaments to the successful breeding efforts at Zoo Negara. The panda couple previously welcomed another cub, Nuan Nuan, on August 18th, 2015.

The delicate nature of panda reproduction was acknowledged by Rosly, who shared that panda couples typically don't live together, even in their natural habitat. Mating occurs for only three days in a year, during which experts carefully monitor the duration and success of the process. This unique reproductive pattern can take between six and eight years to produce cubs in other countries.

Ensuring the health and happiness of these pandas is a priority for Zoo Negara. A dedicated team of five staff members is responsible for their care, providing nutritious food and closely monitoring their well-being. To maintain the pandas' health, a specific diet is prepared daily, including 25 kg of bamboo, 10 kg of bamboo leaves, 6 kg of bamboo shoots, 1 kg of panda cake, and 500 gm of apples and pears.

By achieving this recognition from China, Zoo Negara has solidified its status as a world-class caretaker of giant pandas, contributing significantly to the global efforts of panda conservation and education.

Source: NST