The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has announced that the first pair of giant pandas born in Macau, “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang”, are expected to set off for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in early November to begin a journey of learning and growth.
Combined, the two names mean “healthy”.
According to a statement released during yesterday’s media visit to Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane, in order to comply with quarantine arrangements, the two pandas will enter a quarantine period starting on October 9, during which they will not be on public display. Members of the public are encouraged to take the opportunity to visit them at the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion before the quarantine period begins, the statement said.
Speaking to reporters at the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion, IAM Conservation of Nature Division Chief Chan Hoi Fong said that the care team has already begun simulated transport training for the two pandas, including recreating the swaying motions and sounds they will experience during transit so that they can gradually adapt.
A joint team comprising experts from the Chengdu base and IAM’s animal care and veterinary staff is continuing to monitor their health, and has been exchanging information on matters such as their dietary preferences, personality traits, and daily training routines to ensure a smooth handover, Chan noted.
He revealed that the transport cost is initially estimated at around 700,000 patacas, with a flight time of approximately two to three hours. As for whether they will return to Macau one day, this will require coordination with the Central People’s Government, and no specific arrangements have been made at present, Chan said, adding that the pavilion currently receives around 40,000 visitors per month, and attendance has risen slightly recently as “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” are being prepared to leave Macau.
IAM Conservation of Nature Division official Mok Weng Han also said that both pandas are in normal health and that the care team has been carrying out transport acclimatisation training with them in the form of games every day for about two months, adding that she will accompany them from Macau to Chengdu.
Yang Ping, an expert from Sichuan, said that preparations have been made for their return to Chengdu, including quarantine arrangements, disease prevention supplies, and healthcare medication, and that their health will be closely monitored all the time.
Municipal Affairs Bureau Conservation of Nature Division Chief Chan Hoi Fong speaks to reporters yesterday at the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion of Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane. – Photo: Maria Cheang Ut Meng
