Chinese Giant Pandas Jin Xi and Zhu Yu Arrive in Madrid for 10-Year Stay
Madrid welcomed two new residents on Monday as giant pandas Jin Xi and Zhu Yu arrived from their home in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, the Chinese mainland. The pandas are set to begin a 10-year stay at the Madrid Zoo Aquarium, marking a significant moment in China-Spain cooperation on wildlife conservation.
The pandas touched down at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas International Airport aboard a charter flight, where a team from the zoo’s veterinary and conservation departments, along with officials from Spain’s Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA), awaited their arrival. The bears were then escorted to the zoo, where a special dinner of freshly cut bamboo shoots was prepared to welcome them.
Upon arrival at the zoo, Jin Xi and Zhu Yu entered a quarantine period of approximately one month, during which they will acclimate to their new environment. If all goes well, the pandas will make their public debut in late May.
Preparing a New Home
To ensure the pandas’ comfort and well-being, the Madrid Zoo has conducted thorough safety inspections and upgraded the facilities within the panda enclosure. Chinese experts arrived in Madrid ahead of the pandas to assess the enclosure and will remain for about three months to assist with the bears’ transition.
“Both pandas were born in 2020, so they are nearly four years old,” said Yang Kuixing, a Chinese giant panda breeding expert. “They are very healthy and well-developed, which is why we chose these two for Spain.”
A Continued Tradition of Cooperation
The arrival of Jin Xi and Zhu Yu continues a legacy of collaboration between China and Spain in the field of wildlife conservation. In 2007, both countries signed an agreement to promote international cooperation on giant panda protection and advance efforts in preserving endangered species and biodiversity. Over the course of this partnership, six panda cubs have been successfully bred and have thrived.
Earlier this March, giant pandas Bing Xing, Hua Zuiba, and their offspring Chulina, Jiu Jiu, and You You returned to China after residing in Spain. Their departure was emotional for many locals who had grown fond of the pandas.
“We felt a little sad to say goodbye to the five giant pandas living in Madrid,” said María Delclaux, head of the giant panda enclosure at the zoo. “We had been with them for a long time, so it was hard for us to see them go. But now we are very happy and looking forward to welcoming a new pair of giant pandas. We are about to start a new chapter.”
The giant pandas serve as a symbol of friendship between the Chinese and Spanish people, strengthening the bonds between the two nations through shared efforts in conservation and appreciation for these remarkable animals.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
