Pandas leave for new abode in Austria

Two giant pandas, He Feng and Lan Yun, departed from Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, on Wednesday for Austria, where they will spend the next 10 years at the historic Schoenbrunn Zoo in Vienna.

Both born in 2020, the pandas are from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.

To ensure a smooth and safe journey, a Chinese veterinarian and an Austrian caregiver accompanied them on the flight, according to a media release from the center.

Fresh bamboo, bamboo shoots, specially made steamed buns, drinking water and medications were also packed for the trip, the release said.

A Chinese caregiver and veterinarian will remain with the pandas for a period to help them adapt to their new environment at Schoenbrunn Zoo, one of the world's oldest zoos with a history of more than 270 years.

He Feng, the male panda, has a name symbolizing lotus-infused freshness, while Lan Yun, the female, is named to reflect the fragrance of orchids, the center said.

The release outlined a range of preparations jointly undertaken by China and Austria ahead of the pandas' arrival.

In March, a team of Chinese experts visited Austria to inspect the upgraded facilities at the zoo and provided technical guidance on aspects such as habitat, diet and health care.

The renovated indoor enclosure features new climbing structures and an advanced system for controlling temperature and humidity. The outdoor space includes tall trees, shrubs, wooden perches, rock formations, caves, a pond and a creek with automatically filtered water.

A bamboo plantation has also been established to provide a stable and sufficient food supply for the pandas, according to the release.

China and Austria began official collaboration on giant panda conservation and research in 2003.The partnership has yielded achievements in panda breeding, protection and disease treatment, as well as technical exchanges, personnel training and public education.

As a highlight of the collaboration, pandas Yang Yang and Long Hui, who lived at Schoenbrunn Zoo from 2003, successfully produced five cubs through natural mating — a record for panda breeding in Europe, the center noted.

houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn