Giant pandas depart for Spain on Monday

Giant pandas Jin Xi and Zhu Yu are scheduled to depart for Madrid Zoo in Spain on Monday, commencing a 10-year stay, as announced by the China Wildlife Conservation Association on Wednesday.

The two giant pandas originate from the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding. Jin Xi, a male, was born on September 1, 2020. He was named "Xi," or happiness, while the name of his twin sister is Jin Shuang, in which "Shuang" means double. The names of the two pandas symbolize double happiness and good things coming in pairs.

Zhu Yu, a female, was born on October 25, 2020, at the Double Ninth Festival that year. Her name reflects seasonal and natural elements, embodying the profound cultural heritage of China.

The two pandas are undergoing pre-transport quarantine and are in good health, according to the association. To ensure their comfort and safety during transportation, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has customized specialized air transport crates, ensuring that the pandas can move, eat, and rest freely inside the crates, while maintaining a suitable temperature of around 20 to 25 C in the aircraft cabin.

In preparation for the arrival of the giant pandas, the Madrid Zoo has heard suggestions from the Chinese expert team for upgrading and renovating the panda pavilion, the association said.