A Heartfelt Farewell to Singapore’s Beloved Giant Panda Cub, Le Le, as He Prepares to Embark on Conservation Journey

In a bittersweet moment at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, approximately 1,000 guests gathered at the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest to bid a fond farewell to Le Le, Singapore’s first giant panda cub. As the school holidays brought a surge of visitors to River Wonders, Le Le’s exhibit saw an outpouring of love and support on his last day with the public before his imminent return to China’s conservation programme.

Farewell Party Highlights

The farewell party, graced by Ms Qin Wen, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Singapore, was an emotional affair where Conservation Ambassador shared heartwarming stories about connecting with guests through Le Le. The panda cub, born in August 2021, has been a beloved resident, captivating the hearts of thousands since his surprise arrival. Now, just a month away from his journey to China, Le Le is set to officially join the country’s giant panda conservation programme.

Community-Centric Memento

Ms Qin, alongside the Mandai Wildlife Group management and representatives from Pavilion Capital and Singapore Airlines (SIA), presented the public with a community-centric memento of Le Le. Guests were invited to add their artistic strokes to a paint-by-numbers art piece, displayed outside the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest from 13 to 17 December 2023, between 10 am and 2 pm.

Le Le’s Journey Home

Le Le, designated as the Very Important Panda (VIP), is scheduled to embark on his approximately 4.5-hour-long flight to China on January 16, 2024. A specially arranged Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400F freighter aircraft will transport him from Singapore Changi International Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The flight is designed for versatile cargo transport, ensuring Le Le’s comfort with an ambient cabin temperature maintained between 15°C and 16°C.

In-Flight Care and Well-being

Accompanied by a keeper and veterinarian from Mandai Wildlife Group and a keeper from China, Le Le’s custom travel crate, conditioned through Positive Reinforcement Training, will provide a secure environment during the journey. The crate, meeting guidelines from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), includes features for feeding and checks. Upon arrival in Chengdu, Le Le will undergo quarantine in Huaying, Guang’an City, Sichuan Province.

Preparation and Positive Reinforcement Training

Le Le’s custom travel crate, introduced to his den on 27 November 2023, has been a crucial part of his conditioning for the upcoming flight. Positive Reinforcement Training, involving food rewards, has encouraged Le Le to voluntarily enter the crate, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey. The air-conditioned truck, also kept at 15°C to 16°C, will transport the crate to Changi Airport on departure day.