Singapore's Beloved Panda Le Le Begins New Chapter in China

The much-loved giant panda baby from Singapore, Le Le, has made it to Chengdu, China, and is starting a new, exciting chapter in his life. After an emotional departure from Singapore, Le Le, who was born there, is now undergoing a 30-day quarantine period as part of the necessary procedures in China.

Journey from Singapore to Chengdu

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400F cargo plane transported Le Le from Singapore to Chengdu on the evening of January 16. By the time the jet landed at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 11:14 p.m., pilots using Flightradar24 had already seen it. The three-year-old panda made its final stop on the carefully planned route before joining China’s big panda preservation effort.

Prior to his departure, Le Le completed his first quarantine at River Wonders in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, lasting four and a half weeks. His final appearance in Singapore was on December 13 at the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest at River Wonders. The Mandai Wildlife Group and Singapore Airlines, in a joint press release, highlighted the meticulous preparations undertaken to ensure Le Le’s comfort and safety during his relocation.

In order to ensure Le Le’s comfort during the travel to Changi Airport, a specially designed crate measuring around 1.7 metres in length, 1.1 metres in width, and 1.3 metres in height was used. A refrigerated truck maintained the cargo temperature between 12°C and 16°C throughout transportation. Le Le was made to feel at ease by providing him with his favourite treats, which happened to be bamboo and bamboo shoots.

Emotional Farewell at Changi Airport

Upon arrival at Changi Airport, Le Le’s panda care team secured his crate to a pallet, along with his travel essentials. Le Le’s panda care team added a special touch by attaching a handcrafted heart-shaped card with well wishes to his crate. The entire setup, including the crate and essentials, weighed around 600 kilogrammes.

As Le Le’s crate was loaded onto the aircraft, special guests lined the airport tarmac to bid farewell to the Very Important Panda (VIP). Accompanying Le Le on the four-and-a-half-hour flight to China were his keeper and veterinarian from the Mandai Wildlife Group, along with a keeper from China. They ensured Le Le was well-fed and comfortable, maintaining a good appetite throughout the journey.

A New Chapter for Conservation

Le Le’s arrival in China is more than just a relocation; it marks his official participation in China’s giant panda conservation program. This action marks a watershed moment in global conservation efforts and is vital to ensuring the survival of his species.

The China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP) will closely monitor Le Le as he adapts to his new habitat to determine his next placement.

The ordeal that Le Le endured on his way from Singapore to China exemplifies the world’s wildlife conservation efforts and the unwavering commitment of the people tasked with protecting these invaluable creatures.