Zoo Negara shares adorable tribute to pandas Yiyi & Sheng Yi before they return to China in May

Pandas are considered as one of the most protected species in the world given their scarce numbers, mainly due to habitat loss as a consequence of rapid development. And in the case of Malaysia’s national zoo, Zoo Negara, we have been privileged enough to play host to a number of these critically endangered species that were loaned to us by China.

Housed in a sprawling 1.6 hectare enclosure that was built to the cost of RM24 million, local conservation efforts for the species has led to the birth of three panda cubs in Malaysia, among them including Yiyi and Sheng Yi.

That being said, pandas who are living in the zoo are often enclosed in a spacious space in hopes of giving them a better life. Following that, Zoo Negara has shared that the 2 pandas sent over from China named Yiyi and Sheng Yi will be returning to China in May.

Zoo Negara shares adorable tribute to giant panda cubs Yiyi & Sheng Yi before they return to China

In a recent video posted by Zoo Negara, the 20-second video showcased the two panda cubs living in their enclosure seemingly enjoying their time. The two pandas adorably lounged on tree barks, before engaging in a friendly wrestle with each other.

Yiyi and Sheng Yi were both cubs born to giant pandas Xing Xing and Liang Liang, with Sheng Yi being born back in 2021. She has been on public display in the zoo’s spacious enclosure since December 2021. As for their parents Xing Xing and Liang Liang, they are both on-loan for ten years from China to Malaysia since 2014.

Sheng Yi is the third Malaysia-born giant panda and the name given was said to represent peace and friendship, in hopes that she would further bolster relations between both China and Malaysia.

Following that, Zoo Negara has shared that both the giant pandas will be heading back to their country of origin this coming May. The news has seemingly saddened plenty of netizens, many of whom were dismayed that they will no longer be able to see them in person.

“Are you serious that they’re heading back soon? I don’t have enough time to go and see the panda.”

A netizen jokingly asked the panda to teach other pandas how to speak Bahasa Melayu when they’re back in their originated country.

“How nice is it to be able to meet them when they’re active, I went to visit them twice and they’re asleep both times!”

“I’m so lucky to be able to meet them even though they were hibernating.”

“What a pity to see them go back.”

Another netizen then tagged her friend saying that they were about to plan for a second trip but it seems like they may not make it on time.

“Thankfully I was able to see them before they leave even though they were both asleep!”

Watch the video below:

@znmzoonegara

We are going to miss you both 😢 Yiyi & Sheng Yi. #panda🐼 #pandaoftiktok #pandafun #zoonegara #yayapanda #fypp

♬ One Side – Iyanya

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are currently around 1,864 pandas left in the wild, based upon survey estimates in 2014. While they are no longer classified as ‘endangered’ on the global list of species at risk of extinction, the species is still considered to be ‘vulnerable’ and still require much work in conservation to ensure their survival. 

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Also read: Oyen kitty spotted trying to blend in with capybaras at Zoo Negara enclosure, melts netizens’ hearts