Zoo Negara's New Giant Pandas Ready For Public Debut Soon - Arthur

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Zoo Negara’s Giant Panda Conservation Centre, which houses a new pair of giant pandas, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, who arrived from China on Nov 18 last year, will be opened to the public soon.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup confirmed that both pandas, Chen Xing (male) and Xiao Yue (female), are now ready for their public debut after having completed their quarantine. 

During his inspection today, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the upgraded facilities funded by NRES. The main exhibit, interior design, landscaping, and new chillers were improved to enhance the pandas' welfare and the comfort of visitors.

"Given these satisfactory conditions, the Chinese government has agreed to the Centre's public opening. I will announce the official date shortly," he said. 

Arthur also received a briefing from Chinese veterinary experts and Zoo Negara staff during his visit, confirming both pandas are in good health.

He added that Chen Xing and Xiao Yue appeared normal and active, which indicated they had adapted well to the new environment.

Arthur said the panda pair was an icon of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China to strengthen cooperation, especially in the field of wildlife conservation and research.

“To date, the Chinese government has carried out international cooperation in giant panda conservation and research with 20 countries, including Malaysia,” he said.

He said the conservation cooperation agreement between Malaysia and China was signed in conjunction with the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia on April 16, 2025.

“The signing of this agreement through the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Peninsular Malaysia and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) enables Malaysia to receive the new giant panda pair for 10 years from 2025 to 2035,” he said.

Also present during the inspection were NRES Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo Kim, PERHILITAN director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim and Zoo Negara management representatives.

-- BERNAMA