Giant pandas, the only pair in the Southern Hemisphere, return to China
The sole pair of giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere is heading back to China.
TroibNews 
Wang Wang and Fu Ni, the only pair of giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere, departed from Adelaide Zoo on Friday, heading back to China.
During a farewell reception on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian highlighted the significant achievements in panda conservation, disease prevention, and healthcare between China and Australia over the past 15 years. He praised the zoo staff for their dedication, stating that they had provided the pandas with a secure and nurturing environment that facilitated their healthy development.
The joint program for the conservation and research of giant pandas was initiated in 2009, coinciding with the arrival of Wang Wang and Fu Ni at Adelaide Zoo, marking their unique status in the Southern Hemisphere.
Xiao emphasized that strong international relationships are grounded in the goodwill and understanding among their people. He noted that giant pandas serve as "ambassadors of friendship," conveying warmth and goodwill from the Chinese people and fostering peace and friendship that crosses borders.
"For 15 years, they have brought joy to many Australian children, captured moments of happiness for Australian families, and become a part of countless warm memories for Australians. Today, they stand as a symbol of the deep friendship between our two peoples," the ambassador stated.
Zoe Bettison, the minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs in South Australia, expressed the connection that the Australian public feels towards the beloved pandas, saying, "It is with deep sadness, the gratefulness that we wave goodbye to Wang Wang and Fu Ni today."
She also mentioned the excitement surrounding the anticipated arrival of two young giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo in the future, stating, "This continues conservation. This continues our friendship. We wait for them to join us."
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
During a farewell reception on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian highlighted the significant achievements in panda conservation, disease prevention, and healthcare between China and Australia over the past 15 years. He praised the zoo staff for their dedication, stating that they had provided the pandas with a secure and nurturing environment that facilitated their healthy development.
The joint program for the conservation and research of giant pandas was initiated in 2009, coinciding with the arrival of Wang Wang and Fu Ni at Adelaide Zoo, marking their unique status in the Southern Hemisphere.
Xiao emphasized that strong international relationships are grounded in the goodwill and understanding among their people. He noted that giant pandas serve as "ambassadors of friendship," conveying warmth and goodwill from the Chinese people and fostering peace and friendship that crosses borders.
"For 15 years, they have brought joy to many Australian children, captured moments of happiness for Australian families, and become a part of countless warm memories for Australians. Today, they stand as a symbol of the deep friendship between our two peoples," the ambassador stated.
Zoe Bettison, the minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs in South Australia, expressed the connection that the Australian public feels towards the beloved pandas, saying, "It is with deep sadness, the gratefulness that we wave goodbye to Wang Wang and Fu Ni today."
She also mentioned the excitement surrounding the anticipated arrival of two young giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo in the future, stating, "This continues conservation. This continues our friendship. We wait for them to join us."
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
