Belgium’s Pairi Daiza animal park has announced that three of its five beloved giant pandas will return to the Chinese mainland on December 10, as part of an agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
Tian Bao, born in 2016, and twins Bao Di and Bao Mei, born in 2019, will head back to the Giant Panda Base in Bifengxia, a renowned research and breeding center located in Ya’an city, southwest China’s Sichuan Province.
“Our team has cherished every moment with these magnificent creatures,” said a representative from Pairi Daiza. “We are confident they will continue to thrive in their homeland.”
The pandas’ departure marks an emotional moment for the zoo and its visitors, who have formed strong bonds with these ambassadors of wildlife conservation. The return is in line with international collaboration efforts to protect and study giant pandas, ensuring the species’ long-term survival.
Pairi Daiza will continue to house two other giant pandas, Xing Hui and Hao Hao, who will remain at the zoo as part of the ongoing collaboration with Chinese conservation authorities.
The Giant Panda Base in Bifengxia is dedicated to the research and breeding of giant pandas, contributing significantly to the conservation of this endangered species. The arrival of Tian Bao, Bao Di, and Bao Mei is expected to support genetic diversity and further research initiatives.
Visitors have until December 10 to bid farewell to the pandas at Pairi Daiza. The zoo has planned special events to celebrate their time in Belgium and to educate the public about giant panda conservation efforts.
Reference(s):
Belgian zoo to return three giant pandas to China in December
cgtn.com
