Get to know Adelaide Zoo’s two new giant panda residents

The Adelaide Zoo has recently become the new home for two giant pandas, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu, who are ready to capture the hearts of visitors with their playful antics and insatiable appetite for bamboo.

Their arrival marks a significant moment, as they are officially the only giant pandas on display in the southern hemisphere.

The pandas’ debut in the zoo’s lush Bamboo Forest enclosure was met with great enthusiasm, following an official welcome ceremony attended by South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas, Chinese ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian, and a crowd of eager onlookers on Tuesday.

Yi Lan, a 3-year-old female, and Xing Qiu, a 4-year-old male, began their journey from Dujiangyan, China, to Adelaide on December 16. After a month-long quarantine, they are now ready to charm visitors from their new habitat.

The pair succeeds the beloved Wang Wang and Fu Ni, who, despite being adored by millions during their stay since 2009, were unable to fulfil the hopes of becoming parents before their return to China in November 2024.

Adelaide Zoo director Phil Ainsley expressed that the quarantine period was an invaluable time for the zoo staff to get acquainted with the pandas’ distinct personalities. Yi Lan has been described as ‘an incredibly cheeky young panda,’ full of energy and curiosity, while Xing Qiu was more laid-back, ‘very happy munching on bamboo shoots.’

‘He has an amazing appetite and a taste for our Adelaide-grown bamboo varieties, eating around 30kg a day,’ said Ainsley.

As the pandas settle into their separate but adjacent enclosures, the zookeepers have decided to wait until they are at least seven years old before considering any breeding efforts.

On their first day out, both animals cautiously explored their new outdoor environments. Xing Qiu briefly retreated indoors for a nap, only to return later to the delight of the visitors.

Meanwhile, Yi Lan showed her adventurous spirit by tearing into her enrichment box to find the treats hidden inside, including a panda cake, an apple, and a carrot.

Yi Lan is described as a ‘particularly playful and feisty lady’ while Xing Qiu is a ‘handsome fellow with an auspiciously round head.’

The presence of these pandas at Adelaide Zoo is not only a treat for animal lovers but also a symbol of the strong diplomatic relations between Australia and China.

Premier Malinauskas highlighted the significance of the event, especially for the young ones who can now witness the beauty and magnificence of these two animals up close.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Xiao Qian reflected on the successful conservation efforts that have seen the panda population grow from a few hundred to over two thousand.

‘We are not (just) celebrating the continuation of joint panda conservation, but also symbolically, the continuation of the friendly and cooperative relationship between our two countries and two peoples,’ he said.

‘We have successfully stabilised our relationship, consolidated that good momentum, and made a successful turnaround in our bilateral ties.’

The pandas’ arrival coincides with a period of flourishing trade between the two nations, with commodities like beef, wine, barley, and seafood, particularly lobster, being traded in ‘extraordinary volumes’, recording $327 billion last year.

The trade is ‘overwhelmingly in Australia’s favour by about $100 billion,’ said Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farell.

As Yi Lan and Xing Qiu continue to settle into their new home, they invite locals and visitors from around the world to learn more about their species and the efforts to protect them.

The Adelaide Zoo looks forward to sharing the pandas’ journey with the public and fostering a deeper appreciation for these enchanting animals.

Our YourLifeChoices readers, do you have plans to visit the Adelaide Zoo soon to see Yi Lan and Xing Qiu in person? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.

Also read: Six Tasmanian road trips you can do in a weekend

Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn covers different topics such as health, lifestyle, and home improvement, among many others. She is also passionate about travel and mindful living.

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