On December 13, thousands of Singaporeans gathered at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve to bid an emotional farewell to Le Le, the first giant panda born in Singapore. The grand ceremony marked the beginning of Le Le’s preparations to return to China, his ancestral homeland.
Born on August 14, 2021, Le Le quickly captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike. As the offspring of Kai Kai and Jia Jia, who arrived from China’s Sichuan Province in 2012, Le Le represents a significant milestone in the conservation efforts between Singapore and China.
The farewell event was a festive yet poignant occasion, reflecting the deep bond formed between Le Le and the people of Singapore. Attendees enjoyed special exhibits and shared memories of the young panda’s playful antics and milestones over the past two years.
In accordance with the agreement between China and Singapore, Le Le is scheduled to embark on his journey back to China on January 16, 2024. His return is not only a homecoming but also contributes to the ongoing global efforts in giant panda conservation and research.
The departure of Le Le highlights the successful collaboration between the two nations in wildlife conservation. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of international partnerships in preserving endangered species.
As Le Le prepares for his new chapter, Singaporeans express gratitude for the joy he has brought and look forward to updates on his life back in China. His legacy continues to inspire conservation awareness and appreciation for wildlife across the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
