Le Le, the Beloved Giant Panda, Prepares for Departure to China; You can still catch Le Le at the River Wonders till 13 December

In the heartwarming saga of Le Le, the adorable Giant Panda cub who has captured the hearts of many, an important chapter draws near. Scheduled to bid farewell to Singapore on 16 January 2024, Le Le will embark on a significant journey back to his homeland, China. The esteemed carrier for this special flight will be Singapore Airlines, serving as the Official Airline for this pivotal moment in the young panda’s life.

Le Le’s impending departure is part of a crucial conservation effort, aligning with China’s program dedicated to safeguarding the future of the Giant Panda species. However, before his departure, meticulous preparations are underway to ensure his safe and comfortable travel. The dedicated care team has been working tirelessly to assist Le Le in acclimating to the transition.

On 13 December 2023, Le Le will make his final public appearance at the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest at River Wonders. Following this, he will move into a quarantine period, which will be a necessary step until his departure date. The farewell campaign in honor of Le Le will continue during this time, allowing visitors to capture memorable moments through designated photo points and even send their fond regards via a special farewell fan mailbox. The pinnacle of this farewell will be a grand farewell party on Le Le’s last day in the exhibit.

Amidst this emotional departure, observations of changes in behavior have been noted between Le Le and Jia Jia, the panda currently sharing the enclosure. Jia Jia has displayed natural behaviors signaling the progression toward separation from Le Le, such as avoidance and even initial signs of rejection. These are typical steps in the life cycle of Giant Pandas, and the caretakers are diligently preparing for their eventual separation. The exhibit will be timeshared between the two pandas in the lead-up to Le Le’s departure, with specific visiting hours for each bear.

Precautions for Le Le’s health and well-being have been a priority. He has received necessary vaccinations and will undergo thorough health checks during the quarantine period. Additionally, a custom crate is being prepared for his journey to China. The animal care team is employing Positive Reinforcement Training, using food rewards to encourage Le Le to voluntarily acclimate to the crate, making the transfer as stress-free as possible.

Mandai Wildlife Group, in collaboration with Singapore Airlines, is meticulously coordinating the logistics to ensure Le Le’s comfort during his journey back to China, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life dedicated to conservation and the future of his species.