Today, Madrid Zoo Aquarium welcomed two new inhabitants as giant pandas Jin Xi and Zhu Yu made their public debut during an official ceremony attended by authorities and experts from both China and Spain.
Jin Xi, a male born on September 1, 2020, and Zhu Yu, a female born on October 25, 2020, will reside at the zoo for the next ten years as part of the China-Spain giant panda conservation program. This initiative underscores the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in wildlife conservation and cultural exchange.
The pair arrived in Spain on April 29 and have since completed a month-long quarantine period. To ensure a smooth transition to their new environment, their caregivers from Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, will remain with them for several more months.
Madrid Zoo Aquarium has a storied history with giant pandas, having first received a pair from China in 1978. In February of this year, the zoo bid farewell to a panda family of five, who returned home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The arrival of Jin Xi and Zhu Yu continues this longstanding tradition and offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe and learn about these endangered animals.
The presence of Jin Xi and Zhu Yu at Madrid Zoo not only enriches the zoo’s wildlife offerings but also symbolizes the strength of Sino-Spanish relations and shared commitment to conservation efforts. Visitors can look forward to engaging educational programs and events centered around the giant pandas, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for wildlife preservation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
