Le Le, a Singapore-born giant panda, has made headlines after an unexpected altercation at the Dujiangyan Panda Base in Chengdu, China. The incident occurred on April 18, shortly after Le Le’s return to China in January 2024, in accordance with China’s panda loan agreement. This agreement requires that cubs born outside of China return to China by the age of two.
Born on August 14, 2021, Le Le is special for being the first giant panda born in Singapore. These past two years have made Le Le a River Wonders park ambassador. He co-created the first joint exhibit with his parents, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, under the Mandai Wildlife Group. His departure from Singapore was a huge moment for the Mandai Wildlife Group. It definitely struck a chord with panda fans around the world, too.
The playfight between Le Le and his fellow panda Qing Zai or Eclipse intrigued visitors and zoo keepers. Over the course of the brawl, Le Le ascended a tree in his habitat to avoid the melee. He continued to stay tucked within the branches until zookeepers were able to get him separated from Qing Zai, keeping both pandas out of harm’s way.
The staff at Dujiangyan Panda Base have committed to making amends after the attack incident. They are now housing Le Le and Qing Zai separately so that further fights won’t break out. Maman’s careful stewardship not only allowed for a positive introduction between the pandas, but it set the stage for many years of panda joy.
Le Le’s journey from Singapore to China, with all that it involved, serves as a reminder of the growing global dedication to panda conservation and international collaboration. The panda loan agreement underscores how important it is to send these animals home to their native environments. It further fosters an international love for wildlife.
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