Zoo Negara’s new pandas, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, complete quarantine and will soon be unveiled to the public, marking a new chapter in Malaysia-China conservation ties.
KUALA LUMPUR: Zoo Negara’s Giant Panda Conservation Centre will soon open to the public to showcase its new residents, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue.
The giant panda pair arrived from China on November 18 and have now completed their mandatory quarantine period.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup confirmed the pandas are ready for their public debut after a recent inspection.
He expressed satisfaction with the centre’s upgraded facilities, funded by his ministry, which include improvements to the main exhibit, interior design, landscaping, and new chillers.
“Given these satisfactory conditions, the Chinese government has agreed to the Centre’s public opening,” Arthur said.
He added that he would announce the official opening date shortly.
Arthur received a briefing from Chinese veterinary experts and zoo staff, confirming both pandas are in good health.
He noted that Chen Xing and Xiao Yue appeared normal and active, indicating they have adapted well to their new environment.
The minister said the panda pair is an icon of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Their presence is meant to strengthen cooperation, particularly in wildlife conservation and research.
“To date, the Chinese government has carried out international cooperation in giant panda conservation and research with 20 countries, including Malaysia,” he said.
The conservation cooperation agreement was signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia on April 16, 2025.
The agreement enables Malaysia to host the new giant panda pair for a 10-year period from 2025 to 2035.
Also present during the inspection were NRES Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo Kim.
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim and Zoo Negara management representatives were also in attendance.
