SINGAPORE: Giant pandas Jia Jia and Kai Kai's stay in Singapore has been extended for five more years under an agreement signed by the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) and Mandai Wildlife Group on Friday (Sep 2).
The announcement was made during the double birthday celebrations of Kai Kai and Jia Jia, who turn 15 and 14 respectively this month.
The signing by the two parties took place on Friday morning at the Giant Panda Forest at River Wonders.
It was witnessed by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling, as well as Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Sun Haiyan, Vice Administrator of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) Li Chunliang, and other NFGA representatives.
Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group Mike Barclay said: "Mandai Wildlife Group is delighted to deepen our partnership with China Wildlife Conservation Association and continue to contribute to conservation efforts for the Giant Panda species.
"We have journeyed with Kai Kai and Jia Jia for a decade, from when they first arrived to making their debut in the Giant Panda Forest exhibit, and ensuring they are in good condition for each annual breeding season. We look forward to playing a part in their further growth and milestones.”
Kai Kai and Jia Jia had been loaned to Singapore by China since 2012 under a 10-year agreement, known as the Agreement on Cooperation in Panda Conservation and Research. They were due to return this year after the loan expires.
Last year, Mandai Wildlife Group, fomerly known as Wildlife Reserves Singapore, told the media that it was in talks with the Chinese authorities to extend the two pandas' stay beyond this year.
The extension would give the Singapore team the opportunity to plan another breeding season for the pandas.
Jia Jia and Kai Kai's first panda cub Le Le, was born on Aug 14 last year after artificial insemination.
Le Le will return to China when it reaches independence at two years old.
Continue reading...
The announcement was made during the double birthday celebrations of Kai Kai and Jia Jia, who turn 15 and 14 respectively this month.
The signing by the two parties took place on Friday morning at the Giant Panda Forest at River Wonders.
It was witnessed by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling, as well as Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Sun Haiyan, Vice Administrator of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) Li Chunliang, and other NFGA representatives.
Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group Mike Barclay said: "Mandai Wildlife Group is delighted to deepen our partnership with China Wildlife Conservation Association and continue to contribute to conservation efforts for the Giant Panda species.
"We have journeyed with Kai Kai and Jia Jia for a decade, from when they first arrived to making their debut in the Giant Panda Forest exhibit, and ensuring they are in good condition for each annual breeding season. We look forward to playing a part in their further growth and milestones.”
Related:
Kai Kai and Jia Jia had been loaned to Singapore by China since 2012 under a 10-year agreement, known as the Agreement on Cooperation in Panda Conservation and Research. They were due to return this year after the loan expires.
Last year, Mandai Wildlife Group, fomerly known as Wildlife Reserves Singapore, told the media that it was in talks with the Chinese authorities to extend the two pandas' stay beyond this year.
The extension would give the Singapore team the opportunity to plan another breeding season for the pandas.
Jia Jia and Kai Kai's first panda cub Le Le, was born on Aug 14 last year after artificial insemination.
Le Le will return to China when it reaches independence at two years old.
Continue reading...