KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Reuters) — Nuan Nuan, the first Malaysia-born female giant panda cub, returned to China on Tuesday.
Born on Aug. 18, 2015 to two loaned Chinese pandas, Nuan Nuan, meaning warmth, was loved by her keepers and other Malaysian people, according to staffers of the Giant Panda Conservation Center of the Malaysian National Zoo.
“Giant panda is like a symbol of peace that can unite the two countries, which is a great experience. It’s wonderful because we don’t see giant panda around the world, because giant pandas only can be seen in China. So Malaysians have a good opportunity to see the giant panda, real,” said Mohd Haziqh, employee of the Malaysian National Zoo.
Nuan Nuan took her special flight at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to head to her native home in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, wrapping up her more than two years’ life in Malaysia.
The A330-200 freighter, which also carries some bamboo food for the giant panda, flew about four hours and 20 minutes before it landed in Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan.
During the flight, Nuan Nuan stayed in a special crate, where she underwent some training sessions.
To facilitate Nuan Nuan’s adaptation to her future solitary life, the Malaysian National Zoo made preparations for two months, including separating Nuan Nuan from her parents, feeding her alone and making her get used to the vehicles and crates for transportation.
Malaysian volunteers and panda fans all came to see Nuan Nuan off despite a heavy rain.
The zoo set up a wall at its entrance for visitors to leave a message for the panda cub.
“As a Malaysian, I felt the panda was so lovely at my first sight of the animal. I have also learned that pandas are China’s national treasure, from which I learned more about Chinese culture. As for Nuan Nuan’s return, of course I feel it hard to let her go. But I also believe that returning home is better for her future life and growth. Here I also wish her a happy life and a quick growth there,” said Lam Ho-siang, a local resident.
Nuan Nuan’s parents, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, will continue their stay in Malaysia.
