Singapore’s cherished giant panda cub, Le Le, is preparing to bid adieu to the River Wonders wildlife park. After two delightful years under the Mandai Wildlife Group’s care, Le Le will be returning to China in December, marking a significant step in the conservation efforts for this endangered species.
A Nation’s Darling
Born in 2021, Le Le quickly became a national sensation, captivating not only the staff at River Wonders but also the hearts of Singaporeans and international visitors alike. Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, deputy chief executive of life sciences and operations at Mandai Wildlife Group, remarked on the joy and happiness that Le Le brought to many. As Le Le prepares for his journey to China, it signifies a major milestone in his young life.
Mother and Cub: A Natural Separation
As part of the preparation for Le Le’s departure, there will be a gradual separation from his mother, Jia Jia. Le Le has already exhibited signs of growing independence, such as eating, resting, and playing without his mother’s constant presence. Conversely, Jia Jia has begun to display avoidance behaviors, a natural instinct in the wild where panda mothers eventually reject their cubs. Recognizing these signs, the Mandai Wildlife Group has been conditioning Le Le for this transition, ensuring he is comfortable in a new den away from his mother.
Public Farewell and Special Arrangements
To commemorate Le Le’s time in Singapore, a farewell event will be held at the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit at River Wonders on November 20. Following this, Le Le will enter mandatory quarantine. For those wishing to catch a final glimpse of the cub, “timesharing” arrangements have been made. Le Le will be visible from 10 am to 2 pm, while Jia Jia can be seen from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Behind the scenes, the Mandai Wildlife Group, in collaboration with their Chinese counterparts, will be diligently preparing Le Le for his journey. This includes vaccinations, health assessments, and other conditioning processes to ensure his optimal well-being.
A Legacy Continues
While Le Le will be missed, his parents, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, will remain in Singapore. The Mandai Wildlife Group plans to continue their close collaboration with Chinese experts to ensure the pandas’ well-being and focus on future breeding cycles. Le Le’s birth in 2021, after several attempts to encourage his parents to mate since 2015, was a monumental event, emphasizing the challenges of breeding giant pandas both in captivity and the wild.
Special Promotions and Memories
To mark Le Le’s departure, River Wonders is offering a 40% discount on the one-adult-one-child admission bundle from October 6 to 31. Visitors can also relive Le Le’s endearing moments through photo points, drop off farewell fan mail, and even stand a chance to receive a Le Le sticker sheet if spotted in panda-inspired outfits.
Conclusion
Le Le’s time in Singapore might be brief, but his impact is lasting. As he embarks on his next chapter in China, he leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of conservation efforts for the beloved giant panda species.
