Singapore’s Giant Panda Cub Turns Two

SINGAPORE, 14 August 2023 – In the blink of an eye, Le Le is two years old! Weighing in at 65kg today, one of Singapore’s most well-known animal residents is showing signs of independence such as eating, resting and playing on his own, away from mom Jia Jia.

This is all part of the natural process that mirrors what happens in the wild when panda cubs become independent from about 18 to 24 months of age. They start displaying signs of being comfortable alone, while the mother pandas also begin to exhibit behavioural changes that lead to the eventual rejection of their cubs.

Giant Pandas are solitary animals, so this life stage progression is part of growing up for this species. 

As it is critical to assist the cub and mom safely through the separation, the Animal Care team has been conditioning Le Le to enter a new private den that is segregated from mom’s. This will empower him to live apart from Jia Jia when the time comes.

Le Le is growing comfortable in his own space, and his panda care team is working closely with the Chinese experts to prepare him for the next phase of his life.  

[caption id="attachment_505466" align="aligncenter" width="670"] Le Le undergoes a dental check on 7 July 2023. Since he started his positive reinforcement training journey in July 2022, Le Le has gotten accustomed to routine health checks. He is rewarded with a treat when he completes the desired behaviour.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group[/caption]

Le Le's Second Birthday Celebration

At his second birthday celebration today, Le Le relished the enrichment specially prepared by the panda care team. He was kept busy with a large bamboo cake as well as a buffet of special treats placed on banana leaves and ice blocks. Sugarcane, sweet potato, grape and peach were some of the goodies that made the occasion extra sweet – in moderation, of course. The birthday bear also unboxed his presents which were filled with yummy bamboo shoots. Aside from the treats, there was a confetti of straw, hay and wood shavings for him to play with.

As Le Le turns two years old, full separation from Jia Jia is expected to occur in the coming months and the process will be closely monitored by the panda care team.  Once separation happens, Jia Jia and Le Le will then timeshare their exhibit at the Giant Panda Forest – the public will be able to see Le Le from 10am to 2pm and Jia Jia from 2pm to 6pm. 

Now into its 11th year as part of China’s global network in the conservation of Giant Pandas, Mandai Wildlife Group continues to help maintain a sustainable Giant Panda population in human care, as well as support China’s efforts in Giant Panda research and protection in the wild. 

Celebrate Le Le's Milestone

To herald this milestone, which marks Le Le’s first steps towards independence, Mandai Wildlife Group and bossini are launching a line of apparel inspired by River Wonders’ favourite black and white resident.

Since his birth, Le Le has beefed up from a 200-gram hairless and helpless infant into a near independent juvenile panda weighing over 60kg. He has captured hearts, both in Singapore and in the global social media arena, with his cheeky demeanour and spirited personality.

Fans of Le Le will be familiar with the various poses depicted on the new t-shirt collection, which comprises six designs—two for adults and four for children—in varying hues of purple and blue. The t-shirt motifs were conceptualised based on Le Le’s favourite activities—joyfully chomping on bamboo and snoozing serenely on his much-loved tree during his younger days.

One tee even highlights a spectrum of the animated panda’s manifold expressions. Another features Le Le with a Red Panda, a nod to how birthdays are best celebrated with close friends (and family).

Much thought went into the project, with the teams from Mandai Wildlife Group and bossini working together since September 2022. Designs also took into consideration bossini’s popular colours and designs, which include raglan and all over print. The adult variations are also unisex, making it a breeze for family and friends to match outfits.

Like all tees retailing at bossini which focus on comfortable casual wear, the Le Le range is made from 100 per cent cotton.
To take the celebrations a step further, River Wonders will offer a host of panda-themed activities from now until 10 September 2023.

The Le Le apparel collection is now available in River Wonders’ retail stores and online at Mandai Wildlife Group’s Lazada e-store and bossini’s Shopee e-store. Selected bossini outlets across Singapore will carry the tees from 11 August. Hop over to www.bossini.com.sg for bossini’s line up of launch activities for the collection.

From 11 August till 10 September, stand a chance to win a Friends of Wildlife family membership with the purchase of two t-shirts from bossini outlets carrying the Le Le collection. Get a Le Le reusable drawstring tote bag with every $80 spent at the River Wonders’ retail outlets and bossini stores carrying the range.

Activities at a Glance (1 Aug – 10 Sep 2023)

Our beloved Giant Panda cub turns two this August! Come join us in this two-rrific celebration at River Wonders with exciting activities. Catch Le Le’s playful antics, strike a pose with our panda family mascots, get artsy with panda-themed crafts and more! 

[caption id="attachment_505467" align="aligncenter" width="670"] A look at the remarkable transformation of Singapore’s first Giant Panda cub. Le Le remains inquisitive with a penchant for food, particularly enjoying lounging on his back while munching on bamboo just like his dad Kai Kai.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group[/caption]

For more information, please visit: www.mandai.com/LeLeTurnsTwo