Be alert, everyone. A cuteness explosion is coming to Malaysia! The arrival of two adorable giant pandas might just burst your heart on the spot.
Chen Xing (male) and Xiao Yue (female) made a safe and snuggly landing at KLIA at 8:00 PM on November 18.
Beyond their cuteness, the pandas carry a deeper message. Their arrival is a gesture of friendship between Malaysia and China, as the giant panda is China’s symbol of peace.
Before their public debut, these fragile creatures will first complete a one-month quarantine at Zoo Negara’s Giant Panda Conservation Centre. It’s to keep them safe (mentally and physically) before meeting their fans.
Good things take time! The pandas need this time to stay healthy and settle into their new Malaysian home.
We’ll have to trust the experts this time. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) knows best when it comes to keeping our adorable pandas comfortable and happy.
Friendship in The Shape of Fluffball for Future Peace
We’re in for a treat; our cuddly panda friends will be around for the next decade. No worries, this news is official and trustworthy.
These pandas are joining us through the International Giant Panda Conservation Cooperation Project with China. The deal was signed on 16 April when China’s President came to Malaysia.
Throwback to 2012, Malaysia had the honor of caring for pandas Fu Fang and Feng Yi. They’ve since returned safely to their original home in China. In other words, we’re no strangers to this kind of panda cooperation.
With the pandas finally here, why not learn a bit about them before the meet-and-greet? It’s way more fun to know your adorable idols than wander cluelessly. If you’re lucky enough, perhaps you’ll get an official autograph for being a dedicated fan.
Pandas have Baby Teeth like Humans
Believe it or not, they get their first set of teeth at three months. These fall out and are replaced by 42 specialized adult teeth made for bamboo feasting.
Extra Thumbs for More Bamboo
Pandas’ ‘extra thumbs’ are actually elongated wrist bones, perfectly evolved for gripping bamboo. They’re a big help when it’s time to snack, so no more bamboo slipping out.
3 Decades of Lifetime
Pandas can live 20 to 25 years in the wild. Surprisingly, they can reach up to 35 years in captivity. Extra bamboo and extra naps seem to add a few bonus years to their lives!
Pandas in Action to Brighten Your Day
After Kung Fu Panda hit the screens, pandas became even more famous! Po, the Dragon Warrior, had fans laughing non-stop with his hilarious antics.
Here’s another wow for you: Master Shifu in Kung Fu Panda is actually a red panda. In real life, red pandas stand on their hind legs and raise their arms to look bigger and intimidate predators.
Unfortunately, the red pandas’ defense looks way too cute for humans to take seriously. Sorry Master Shifu, your intimidation tactic is just too fluffy!
Now that you know a bit more about your beloved giant pandas, stay alert for their debut date and get ready to say hello in person.
Source: Bernama, MyKidsTime