PETALING JAYA: Zoo Negara has hinted that giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue will be on public display soon.
In a Facebook post on Sunday (Dec 21), the Zoo Negara shared a blurred image of a panda with the caption: “Something to look forward to… can you guess which animal this is?”
It was followed by a message reading: “Panda will be ready to meet you very soon!”
The post, which quickly drew reactions from panda fans, is widely seen as a sign that the pair’s public debut is imminent.
Chen Xing and Xiao Yue arrived in Malaysia on Nov 18 as part of the ongoing panda cooperation programme between Malaysia and China. Upon arrival, the five-year-old pandas were placed under a mandatory one-month quarantine at Zoo Negara, in line with standard operating procedures.
The quarantine period ended on Dec 18, clearing the way for preparations ahead of their introduction to the public, subject to final health and behavioural assessments.
Earlier updates from the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, quoting the China Wildlife Conservation Association, said both pandas were in good health and adapting well to their new environment. They have been feeding normally on bamboo, bamboo shoots and supplementary food, and have responded positively to care and behavioural training by the panda-keeping team.
Chen Xing has been described as active and curious, often exploring his enclosure, while Xiao Yue is calmer in temperament, preferring to rest during the day and becoming more active in the early morning.
The arrival of Chen Xing and Xiao Yue marks a new chapter in panda conservation cooperation between Malaysia and China, following the return of Fu Wa and Feng Yi to China in May after more than a decade at Zoo Negara.
Zoo Negara has yet to announce an official date for their public unveiling.
