Visitors will have more time to cherish the company of Giant Panda cub, Le Le, who is set to leave for China on 16 January 2024 with Singapore Airlines which is the Official Airline for his upcoming flight.
Upon his return to China, Le Le will officially join the country’s conservation programme to safeguard his species. In the meantime, his care team is helping him prepare for a smooth travel.
13 December 2023 will mark Le Le’s final public appearance in the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest at River Wonders, before he proceeds into quarantine the next day, until his departure date.
The farewell campaign in honour of Le Le will continue through to 13 December 2023 with photo points, a mailbox for farewell fan mail and more. On Le Le’s last day in his exhibit, there will also be a final farewell party.
Jia Jia had already started exhibiting avoidance behaviours such as moving away when Le Le approaches, and in the last month, she has been observed to display initial signs of rejection, like chasing Le Le away. This is the natural progression in the Giant Panda species and Jia Jia will eventually reject two-year-old Le Le.
Preparations have been underway by the panda care team for a smooth transition for the separation of both pandas. The bears will timeshare their exhibit in the lead-up to Le Le’s departure. When timesharing kicks in, the public can see Le Le from 10am to 2pm and Jia Jia from 2pm to 6pm.
To date, Le Le has received two vaccinations and will undergo thorough health checks during quarantine. A customised crate is being constructed to transport Le Le to China. When it is completed, the animal care team will begin conditioning Le Le to his crate.
The process involves using Positive Reinforcement Training with food rewards to encourage the animal to voluntarily enter the crate and get accustomed to being inside. This consistent training will aid the keepers in the transfer of Le Le, making it as stress-free as possible on the day his flight departs.
Mandai Wildlife Group is also working closely with Singapore Airlines on the logistics to ensure a comfortable journey for Le Le on the national carrier to his new home.
More information on the Bon Voyage, Le Le! campaign can be found in the Annex and online.