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Free Malaysia Today
18-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysia bids farewell to giant pandas Fu Wa, Feng Yi
The van carrying giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi leaving Zoo Negara where a large crowd gathered this morning to bid farewell after their 11-year stay here. SEPANG : Giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi were officially sent home to China today, concluding their stay in Malaysia after 11 years. The pandas arrived here on May 21, 2014, under the terms of the International Giant Panda Conservation Cooperation Project. The momentous send-off held at the Animal Hotel, KLIA was attended by natural resources and environmental sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, ministry secretary-general Ching Too Kim and representatives from the Chinese embassy. In a statement, the ministry said the collaboration stands as a symbol of the close friendship between Malaysia and China, and reflects their shared commitment to sustainability. 'Therefore, Malaysia will continue to be committed to working with China in the conservation of the giant panda species and this collaboration is hoped to further strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and China, both diplomatically and economically,' the ministry said. It added that Malaysia has recorded extraordinary success in its ex-situ conservation efforts, including the birth of three panda cubs from the pair during their time here. All three panda cubs – Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi – have since been returned to China in accordance with the agreement. Nuan Nuan was repatriated on Nov 14, 2017, while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi followed on Aug 29, 2023. According to the ministry, the conservation partnership is set to continue through a new agreement signed on April 16, during Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent official visit to Malaysia. 'This renewed agreement allows Malaysia to receive another pair of giant pandas for a period of 10 years, from 2025 to 2035. Their arrival is expected later this year,' the ministry said.
Malay Mail
18-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
No official farewell, but fans turn out early to say goodbye to giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi
KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — Around 40 panda enthusiasts gathered at Zoo Negara early this morning to say goodbye to giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi. After calling the zoo home since May 2014, the cherished pair are now returning to China, leaving behind a devoted following of local fans. Though there was no official send-off, The Star reported that dedicated fans — some arriving as early as 5am — quietly waited as the pandas left for KLIA at 7.15am. Many waved, took photos, and shouted emotional farewells. Zoo Negara Deputy President Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana said caretaker Mohd Saiffullah Md Yusuf would accompany the pandas to China and assist with their transition upon arrival, adding that both animals are in good health. 'I truly appreciate the fans who came. Even though it's not an official farewell, their presence shows how much they care,' he told the English daily. Fu Wa and Feng Yi have spent more than a decade in Malaysia under the International Cooperation Project on Giant Panda Conservation and after their return, a new panda pair expected to arrive in August.
South China Morning Post
18-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Malaysian panda fans bid an emotional farewell to Fu Wa and Feng Yi after 11 years' stay
Around 40 panda lovers gathered at Zoo Negara in the early hours of Sunday morning to bid a heartfelt farewell to Fu Wa and Feng Yi, who are returning to China after spending 11 years in Malaysia Advertisement Despite the lack of an official farewell ceremony, devoted fans – some travelling from as far as Seremban, as well as from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor – arrived as early as 5am. With heavy hearts, they waited quietly for the pandas' departure to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where the pair would begin their journey back to their homeland. At about 7.15am, the vehicles carrying Fu Wa and Feng Yi rolled out of Zoo Negara. Emotions ran high as fans waved, live streamed the moment, and captured photos and videos. Many were heard calling out: 'Goodbye Fu Wa and Feng Yi!' Malaysians wave goodbye to Fu Wa and Feng Yi. Photo: The Star Their journey began as part of China 's panda loan programme, a goodwill gesture to countries with strong diplomatic ties.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How do devoted Malaysian fans of giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi say goodbye after 11 years?
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday, Chin Lee Peng travels from her home in Puchong, Selangor to Zoo Negara's Giant Panda Conservation Centre (GPCC) in Ulu Kelang – a journey of some 30km – just to see Fu Wa and Feng Yi before they return to China later this month. The retiree arrives before the zoo opens and stays until it closes at 5pm, and has become a familiar face to the zoo staff. 'It all started by chance, I guess,' she told Malay Mail when met at the enclosure recently. 'I've been coming for about two or three years since I first visited after the birth of the second panda cub, Yi Yi.' Chin Lee Peng reacts emotionally while sharing the memories with Fu Wa and Feng Yi that she made over the years as a panda fan. — Picture by Raymond Manuel After observing the cubs and their parents, Chin said she felt a deep, almost magical connection that has kept her coming back ever since. To her, Fu Wa and Feng Yi are more than just animals – they are like her children. 'It's like talking to people,' she said. 'The more you understand them, the more you realise what makes them special.' She often arrives early to speak to them while they eat, saying they respond to her voice because of their sharp hearing. Chin fondly recalled the days when fans could get closer to the pandas before their recent quarantine. That access ended on April 18, when the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry placed the pandas in quarantine ahead of their return to China. This is to ensure their health, fulfil international permit requirements, and allow them to adapt to their upcoming flight. Fu Wa and Feng Yi have spent more than a decade in Malaysia under the International Cooperation Project on Giant Panda Conservation. They are scheduled to return to China this month, with a new panda pair expected to arrive in August. Some of the fan-made, panda-themed merchandise given out for free to visitors. — Picture by Raymond Manuel 'Most fans didn't get to say goodbye properly,' Chin said. 'Especially those who regularly talk to them. Some don't even know they've gone into quarantine.' She said she is excited for the new pandas, but they can never replace Fu Wa and Feng Yi. 'The memories they've given me are irreplaceable. My friends and family know how much I love them.' Nearby, another fan who only wanted to be known as Nisa shared how her love for pandas began in 2014, when the pair first arrived. She described watching them as therapeutic – a feeling she likened to bliss. 'I was very excited seeing pandas for the first time,' she said. 'After the pandemic, I started watching panda videos on social media, even downloading Douyin just to follow panda content from China.' 'They're so mischievous – it's emotionally stirring,' she added. Both Chin and Nisa have become well-versed in the pandas' routines – from feeding times to their favourite bamboo types and behaviours. Their passion has made them valuable to new visitors, who often rely on them for information. Chin described Feng Yi as graceful and noble, while Fu Wa comes across as powerful and commanding. 'They can't speak, so we fans must be their voice,' she said. 'The staff know me because I've been coming so often, and they appreciate that I help explain things to visitors.' She said it comes naturally and brings her joy to contribute. Chin Lee Peng poses with some of the fan-made, panda-themed merchandise given out for free to visitors. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Bittersweet farewell Both Chin and Nisa said they have accepted the pandas' departure, even if it still hurts. 'When I found out about the quarantine, I was very sad,' said Nisa. 'I didn't have time to visit. It's bittersweet – they are the first pandas in our hearts, but we must let them go so they can retire.' Now aged 19 – the equivalent of 57 in human years – Fu Wa and Feng Yi are entering their later adult years and will return to a more natural habitat suited for their retirement. In the wild, pandas typically live 14 to 20 years, though they can reach up to 30 years in captivity. For Chin, the cost of her weekly visits is worth every sen. 'When you love something, you don't mind spending on it,' she said. 'For me, it's not a waste. 'As long as I can still walk, I'll keep coming here. And I want to help others learn about them.'
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From Olympic pandas to world record holders: Fu Wa and Feng Yi's legacy in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — As giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi prepare to return to China this month after residing at Zoo Negara since May 2014, the beloved pair leaves behind a lasting impact and will be missed by many. Having spent more than a decade away from their homeland at Zoo Negara, the pair have been on loan to Malaysia as part of the International Cooperation Project on Giant Panda Conservation. Trivia: Both Feng Yi and Fu Wa also hold the current world record for the fastest natural conception of panda cubs outside of China at two years (reproduction usually takes eight to nine years in captivity and often requires artificial insemination). A bear species endemic to China, giant pandas are employed as instruments of 'panda diplomacy,' a practice by China in which it sends the creatures to partner countries worldwide as potent symbols of friendship, soft power, and goodwill. As Malaysia prepares to bid this pair adieu, Malay Mail looks back at how Fu Wa and Feng Yi shaped their legacy as the first giant pandas in Malaysia. Humble beginnings Both Fu Wa, a male, and Feng Yi, a female, were born on August 23, 2006, at the world-famous Wolong Panda Reserve in Sichuan province, China. As two-year-olds (about six human years), both also lived through the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake when the earthquake struck their conservation centre — just 30km from the epicentre. Planned long before the quake, the two were also selected as part of eight prestigious 'Olympic pandas' on display at the Beijing Zoo as part of a special display during the Beijing Olympics the same year. At six years old (about 19 human years), both Fu Wa and Feng Yi were then loaned by China for 10 years in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties between the two countries. Fu Wa was renamed Xing Xing while Feng Yi was renamed Liang Liang during their stay in Malaysia. Under quarantine, giant pandas Feng Yi (left) and Fu Wa (right) in deep slumber inside their enclosure at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Proud parents During their stay at Zoo Negara's Giant Panda Conservation Centre, the pair gave birth to three giant panda cubs — a significant feat for a species known for reproductive challenges. Their eldest offspring, Nuan Nuan — a female — was born on August 18, 2015. Her name means "warmth" in Chinese — chosen to reflect the warm relations between China and Malaysia. Two other cubs, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi — both females as well — were born on January 14, 2018, and May 31, 2021, respectively. Their names mean "friendship" and "peace and friendship" respectively in Chinese. Under the terms of Chinese panda loan agreements, all cubs born on foreign soil are returned to China when they turn two. Nuan Nuan was sent back to China in November 2017, while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi left Malaysia on August 29, 2023. Altogether, the quintet are also fondly referred to as "the living symbol of China-Malaysia friendship" amongst panda fans. A zookeeper watches over a sleeping Fu Wa at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre in Zoo Negara. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Fulfilling life At 19 years old (about 57 human years), both Fu Wa and Feng Yi are now approaching the later stages of their adulthood and are therefore set for 'retirement' in an environment more suited to their natural habitat. Generally, a panda's average lifespan in the wild is 14 to 20 years, but they can live up to 30 years in captivity. As native to the mountainous region of China, both pandas maintained a diet that consisted almost entirely of bamboo leaves, stems, and shoots during their stay here. With the exact date of their return still unannounced, they have been placed under quarantine with limited public interaction since April 18. This is to ensure optimal health, meet permit requirements under international law, and undergo training to acclimatise for the flight from Malaysia to China. Visitors observe Fu Wa and Feng Yi in their enclosure from the viewing deck at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
