Tian Bao, Bao Di and Bao Mei, three giant pandas born at the Pairi Daiza wildlife park in Belgium, returned to China on Tuesday, marking an important step in the cooperation program between the two countries for the conservation of pandas giants.
BRUSSELS, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) — Tian Bao, Bao Di and Bao Mei, three giant pandas born at the Pairi Daiza wildlife park in Belgium, returned to China on Tuesday, marking an important milestone in the cooperation program between the two countries for the conservation of giant pandas.
Tian Bao, born in 2016, and twins Bao Di and Bao Mei, born in 2019, will join the Bifengxia Giant Panda Research and Breeding Center, located in Sichuan province, where they will participate in conservation programs and reproduction.
Emotions were high on this cold morning in Pairi Daiza. Nearly a thousand visitors, some in tears, came to say goodbye to the three pandas, who have become icons of the park. The caretakers, visibly moved, accompanied Tian Bao and the twins to the vehicles specially designed for their transport.
During a brief farewell ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao said: “Giant pandas are not only adorable and rare animals that bring joy to people, but also bridges that connect human emotions and promote cultural exchanges. They symbolize the common commitment of China and Belgium to protect nature and live in harmony with it.
Since their arrival in Belgium in 2014, the parents of the three pandas, Hao Hao and Xing Hui, have helped raise awareness among millions of visitors about the protection of giant pandas.
Pairi Daiza park founder Eric Domb expressed both pride and sadness at their departure. “We will continue to take care of the giant pandas with all our love, as we have always done. We will strive to help them produce more cubs in the near future,” he said, optimistic about their continued contributions to panda conservation.
The pandas’ departure had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but months of preparation ensured their safe journey. The three pandas have been quarantined since November 11 to prepare for their transfer.
Hao Hao and Xing Hui will remain in Belgium until 2029 as part of the agreement signed in 2013 between Pairi Daiza and the Chinese Association for Wildlife Conservation.■
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