Giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue from China officially made their public debut in Malaysia on Saturday.
In a ceremony marking the event at the Giant Panda Conservation Center (GPC) at Zoo Negara, the country's national zoo in Selangor, the pair met eager visitors following their quarantine and acclimatization.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was the guest of honor. In his remarks at the ceremony, Anwar thanked China for the cooperation in the conservation of giant pandas, noting that they are hugely popular with the Malaysian public.
The Malaysian side has prepared high-quality bamboo for the giant pandas to help them better adapt to local life. The two pandas are now in good health and have fully acclimated to their new home.
Many local visitors waited in long lines and braved crowds for their chance to catch a glimpse of the pair.
"It's such a surprise to see a giant panda. We looked forward to it and had waited for a long time outside," said a visitor.
Many visitors said it was their first time to see a giant panda.
"We feel very happy because for me it's my first-time experience to see them in real life. [They are] very cute and very big also. So, I wish all of them well since they came to Malaysia," said a visitor.
"I hope they will be healthy and happy, feeling at home here," said another visitor.
China and Malaysia launched their first round of international cooperation on giant panda conservation in 2014.
Xing Xing and Liang Liang were the first pair of giant pandas sent to Malaysia in 2014 and completed an 11-year stay in Malaysia before returning to China last May.
Malaysia welcomed the arrival of new pair of giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue last November. This couple is to stay in the Southeast Asian country for 10 years.
New giant panda couple makes public debut in Malaysia
