Malaysians bid a fond farewell on Sunday to the beloved giant panda duo Xing Xing and Liang Liang as they prepared to return to China after spending 11 years in the Southeast Asian country.
The iconic giant panda pair were loaned to the Malaysian government in 2014 for 10 years to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
Known in China by the nicknames Fu Wa and Feng Yi, they became the darlings of the national zoo, located in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur.
During their stay in the Southeast Asian country, the couple had three cubs -- Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi. Each of the cubs has already returned to China.
Dozens of well-wishers and fans gathered as early as 05:00 at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara to see them off.
"Everybody here, we didn't sleep. We didn't sleep. Because we're not going to see them anymore after this. We have to go to China to see them. I went to Wolong, Chengdu, but I think I'm going to come again. I'm going (to China) to visit again, to visit Fu Wa and Feng Yi, and then Nuan Nuan, Sheng Yi, and Yi Yi," said a well-wisher.
"Just send them 'Goodbye and thank you so much.' And we want to say 'Thank you so much' for the Chinese people, the government, for giving us a chance to fall in love with them," said another well-wisher.
To ensure the giant pandas' well-being in Malaysia, the zoo sent staff to Sichuan Province, the pair's homeland in southwest China, for professional training. The staff has provided meticulous care over the years.
"That is the best thing, the most memorable experience, the good experience, because that is the first time panda came to Malaysia, first time. We never dreamed to get pandas, to have pandas. The mixed feeling -- sad and happy, because we have Fu Wa and Feng Yi in good condition, and we send back today Fu Wa and Feng Yi also in very, very good condition. Healthy," said Mat Naim Ramli, former director of the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.
The giant pandas were carefully transported out of the zoo at around 6:30 in the morning, and reached safely at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by 9:00.
The two pandas were sent off with a farewell ceremony on the airport tarmac one and a half hours later.
Malaysia's Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad praised their role in strengthening the friendship between the people of both countries and expressed hope for future collaboration with China in wildlife conservation.
Malaysians bid farewell to two beloved giant pandas
Malaysians bid farewell to two beloved giant pandas
