Macao-born giant panda twins Jian Jian and Kang Kang fly to Chengdu for learning and growth, arrive safely after a decade in Macao
MACAO — After gaining the approval of the Central People's Government of China and the relevant department of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, the giant pandas "Jian Jian" and "Kang Kang" departed for Chengdu on a chartered flight from Macao on 8 November to embark on the next stage of their journey of learning and development. The Government Information Bureau of the Macao SAR said the flight arrived safely at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport at 2:25 p.m. Beijing time on 8 November, and that veterinarians and keepers confirmed both pandas are in good health.
At around 8:00 a.m., "Jian Jian" and "Kang Kang" smoothly entered the transportation cages specially made for them under the guidance of the animal keeping team. They were transported separately in two vehicles equipped with air-conditioning systems, which maintained a temperature between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius inside. The Public Security Police Force of Macao escorted the fleet throughout the ride to the airport, temporary traffic control measures were implemented, and customs clearance and inspection procedures began immediately upon arrival at the airport.
The departure ceremony began at 10:00 a.m. Wong Sio Chak, Macao's Secretary for Administration and Justice; Ai Yiping, Director of the Department of Social Development of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Chao Wai Ieng, Chairman of the Administration Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), and other guests, together with over 20 primary school students, sent their best wishes to the two giant pandas, wishing them a smooth, peaceful, healthy and happy future.
The animal keeping and veterinary team of IAM and experts specially sent from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding accompanied the giant pandas on the plane, closely monitoring their health and safety throughout the flight. The team also prepared the bamboo and cookies they like as their exclusive in-flight meal. The chartered flight took off at 12:15 p.m.
Upon arrival in Chengdu, "Jian Jian" and "Kang Kang" were transferred by designated vehicles to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where they will undergo at least one month of quarantine and inspection before moving into the upgraded Star Cloud Giant Panda Pavilion. The pavilion incorporates Macao cultural elements, simulates a natural habitat environment and is equipped with full-fledged enrichment facilities, so the pandas can continue to grow up healthily in their new home and learn skills to adapt to life in the wild.
"Jian Jian" and "Kang Kang", born on 26 June 2016, are the first pair of giant panda twins born in Macao. They have accompanied the Macao public for ten years and are highly popular among residents and tourists. To ensure a smooth journey, both pandas had completed one month of quarantine and inspection before departure, with a joint team of experts from Macao and Chengdu confirming they are in healthy condition; the team also arranged simulated transportation training to familiarise them with the motion and sounds of transport.
The Macao SAR Government said that over the past ten years, with care and support from all sides, "Jian Jian" and "Kang Kang" have grown up healthily, becoming a source of happiness for the public and a witness to cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Macao in giant panda conservation; the move marks a new phase in the growth of the two pandas. (Source: Government Information Bureau of the Macao SAR)
Source: Government Information Bureau of the Macao SAR
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：澳门市政署饲养团队引导大熊猫「健健」和「康康」进入特制运输笼，准备由空调运输车送往机场。照片：澳门特别行政区政府新闻局（gov.mo）。 / Photo: IAM animal keepers guide giant pandas Jian Jian and Kang Kang into their specially made transport cages before the air-conditioned transfer to the airport. Photo: Government Information Bureau of the Macao SAR (gov.mo).
