KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — Malaysia today said goodbye to Yi Yi and Sheng Yi, two giant panda cubs born in the country, as they departed for China.
It was a sombre day at the National Zoo where Yi Yi and Sheng Yi were born to parents Fu Wa and Feng Yi, as they left their caretakers, who had grown fond of them, behind.
Fu Wa and Feng Yi, renamed Xing Xing and Liang Liang, were loaned to Malaysia in 2014 for 10 years in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
The pair birthed three cubs — Nuan Nuan on August 18, 2015; Yi Yi on January 14, 2018; and Sheng Yi on May 30, 2021.
Nuan Nuan was returned to China in 2017.
Their presence in Malaysia symbolised the government’s long-standing bilateral ties with China, which is known for its “panda diplomacy” to strengthen relations, enhance cultural exchange and raise awareness about the conservation of the endangered species.
— Bernama
