The twin giant pandas returned from Japan, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, arrived at a conservation and research base in Ya'an, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on early Wednesday for a quarantine period after they completed their stay in Tokyo's Ueno zoo.
The pair first arrived at an airport in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, before going on to Ya'an.
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, which were the last two giant pandas in Japan, departed on Tuesday, marking the first time that there will be no giant pandas in Japan in around half a century.
China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) sent experienced experts to Japan to collaborate with Japanese experts to prepare for the twins' safe and smooth return.
Chinese and Japanese experts accompanied the two giant pandas back to China.
The base in Ya'an said it is fully prepared to receive the giant pandas for the quarantine, with enclosure disinfected, food supply guaranteed, and health safeguards arranged to help them adapt to the local environment as soon as possible.
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were born in 2021 to their mother, Shin Shin, and her mate, Ri Ri, who were returned to China in September 2024.
Their elder sister, celebrity giant panda Xiang Xiang, returned to China in February 2023.
Returned giant pandas from Japan back home for quarantine period
