Guess who's just landed in Madrid? 🎉 That's right—two adorable giant pandas, Jin Xi and Zhu Yu, have arrived from the Chinese mainland to make Spain their new home for the next 10 years! 🐼❤️
The duo touched down at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas International Airport on Monday, straight from Chengdu City in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Talk about a grand entrance!
Awaiting their arrival were the excited team from the Madrid Zoo Aquarium's veterinary and conservation departments, along with officials from Spain's Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA). They escorted Jin Xi and Zhu Yu to the zoo, where a feast of freshly-cut bamboo shoots was ready to welcome them. Yum! 🌿
But hold on, panda fans—before we can meet these fluffy celebs, they'll be chilling in quarantine for about a month. If all goes well, we'll get to see them in late May! Mark your calendars. 🗓️
To make sure Jin Xi and Zhu Yu feel right at home, the zoo has given their enclosure a top-to-bottom makeover. Safety inspections? Check. Upgraded facilities? Double-check. It's like the pandas are moving into a five-star bamboo resort! 🌟
Chinese experts have also arrived in Madrid ahead of the pandas to ensure everything is perfect. They'll be staying for about three months to help Jin Xi and Zhu Yu settle in. Talk about VIP service!
'Both pandas were born in 2020, so they're nearly four years old. They are very healthy, well developed in body shape and all other aspects. That's why we chose these two for Spain,' said Yang Kuixing, a Chinese giant panda breeding expert.
This panda exchange is part of an agreement signed between China and Spain back in 2007 to promote international cooperation on giant panda protection. Over the years, six panda cubs were successfully bred through this partnership—talk about #FriendshipGoals!
Earlier this year, giant pandas Bing Xing and Hua Zuiba, along with their offspring Chulina, Jiu Jiu, and You You, returned to China after charming the hearts of Madrid locals. Their departure was bittersweet, but as Maria Delclaux, head of the giant panda enclosure at the zoo, said, 'We felt a little sad to say goodbye… But now we are very happy and looking forward to welcoming a new pair of giant pandas. We are about to start a new chapter.'
Get ready, Madrid—the panda party is just getting started! 🎊🐼
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
