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Singapore's Giant Panda cub Le Le will move into China's panda conservation programme in December

22 Sep 2023
Having crossed his second birthday and growing more independent, Le Le is set to return to China to fulfil the important mission of contributing to the conservation of the Giant Panda species. A farewell event will be held for the beloved bear on his final day in the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit at River Wonders on 20 November 2023, before he proceeds to a mandatory quarantine on the same day. He will leave for China in the second half of December. More updates will be shared in the coming months.

In a few months, Le Le will head back to China in the wider effort for sustainable populations of Giant Pandas under human care. 

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Kai Kai and Jia Jia will remain in Singapore at River Wonders under the care of Mandai Wildlife Group, which will continue to work closely with its Chinese counterparts to ensure the continued well-being of both pandas, and focus on planning for their future breeding cycles.

Le Le had earlier shown increasing signs of independence such as eating, resting and playing on his own, away from mum Jia Jia who had also started to show slight avoidance behaviours such as moving away when he approaches. In the wild, behavioural changes in mother pandas lead to the eventual rejection of their cubs. All of this is part and parcel of the life stage progression of Giant Pandas which are solitary by nature.

To prepare Le Le and Jia Jia for their imminent separation, the Animal Care team has been conditioning Le Le since February 2023 to enter a new private den away from mum’s, as well as carrying out the feedings in different dens since August. Timesharing of their exhibit will soon kick in – the public will be able to see Le Le from 10am to 2pm and Jia Jia from 2pm to 6pm.

Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO, Life Sciences & Operations and Chief Life Sciences Officer, Mandai Wildlife Group said, “Since his birth in 2021, Le Le has captured not only our hearts, but also that of the entire nation and overseas visitors, giving us many joyful moments as we watched him grow. We celebrate that he will soon be checking off his biggest milestone yet when he goes to China. We are honoured to be part of China’s global network in the conservation of Giant Pandas, helping to maintain a sustainable Giant Panda population under human care. Since the arrival of Kai Kai and Jia Jia to River Wonders, Mandai Wildlife Group and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) have also engaged in numerous study trips and reciprocal visits, facilitating the exchange of valuable knowledge and the publication of research papers that contribute to the conservation efforts of Giant Pandas by China.”

Leading up to Le Le’s departure at the end of the year, Mandai Wildlife Group and the Chinese experts will work on a host of preparations behind the scenes to ensure that Le Le is in optimal condition for his journey to China. These include vaccinations, health assessments and conditioning.

From 6 to 31 October, there will be a 40 per cent discount off the 1 Adult and 1 Child admission bundle to River Wonders. Guests can revisit Le Le’s adorable moments through a series of photo points and drop off farewell fan mail. Guests may stand a chance to receive an exclusive Le Le sticker sheet if they are spotted in panda-inspired outfits. Le Le will also be ‘visiting’ various locations around Singapore – look out for Le Le mascot meet-and-greet outings. More information on the Bon Voyage, Le Le! campaign can be found in the Annex.

 

Le Le celebrated his two-rrific birthday on 14 August 2023 where he unboxed some presents and enjoyed a spread of treats. Guests thronged the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest to join in the bear-y happy occasion.

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

The countdown begins – with Le Le’s growing autonomy, he is approaching his next phase of life and will split his time in the exhibit with Jia Jia before returning to China. 

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

ANNEX – Bon Voyage, Le Le! Campaign

 

Activities

Details

Growing Up with Le Le

 

From Le Le’s adorable first moments to his playful escapades, create precious photo memories through a series of photo points of Le Le’s growth milestones. 

Venue: Around River Wonders

Date: 6 – 31 Oct 2023

Time: 10am – 7pm

Playtime with Le Le

 

Look out for interactive photo points showing the best moments of Le Le’s playtime as he explores different enrichment toys.

Venue: Panda Courtyard

Date: 6 – 31 Oct 2023

Time: 10am – 7pm

Commemorating Le Le’s Journey

 

Over the past two years, our Singapore-born Giant Panda has grown leaps and bounds. Take a trip down memory lane as you revisit his milestones with us.

Venue: Entrance of Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest 

Date: 6 – 31 Oct 2023

Time: 10am – 7pm

Farewell Fan Mail for Le Le

 

Show your panda-monium of love to Le Le! Drop off fan mail such as letters, drawings or photos for Le Le into our mailbox. You can also grab a chalk and leave your heartfelt well wishes on the board.

 

The top three most panda-dorable fan mail will also stand a chance to win Le Le merchandise*.

 

*T&Cs apply.

Venue: Panda Courtyard

Date: 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 Oct 2023

Time: 10am – 5pm

Panda Family Mascot Meet & Greet

 

Make your visit extra panda-stic and snuggle up for a photo with our bear-y adorable panda mascot family.

Venue: Panda Courtyard

Date: 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 Oct 2023

Time: 12pm and 2pm (20 min per session)

Pledge for Wildlife

 

Pledge your support and help us continue to care for our animals! Make a contribution of $10 and receive a panda-themed plantable card*.

 

*Limited quantity on a first-come-first-served basis. While stocks last.

Venue: Entrance of River Wonders

Date: 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 Oct 2023

Time: 10am – 5pm

Come Dressed in Panda Style

 

Show up in your best panda-inspired outfit and receive an exclusive Le Le sticker sheet*. 

 

*Limited quantities available and on a first-come-first served basis. T&Cs apply.

Venue: Entrance of River Wonders

Date: 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 Oct 2023

Time: 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm

 

 

Promotions

Details

40% off Panda-rific 2-to-go Bundle

 

Seize the chance to see Le Le with our 2-to-go bundle which includes one adult and one child admission to River Wonders at 40% off.

 

*Valid for local residents and same day admission only. T&Cs apply.

Promo Period: 6 – 31 Oct 2023

Le Le Commemorative Photobook

 

Bring home a keepsake of photos with Le Le in the backdrop. Each 10-page photobook* consists of 3 x 6R photographs and all digital copies.

 

*While stocks last.

Venue: Photo Kiosk at Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest

Date: Ongoing

Time: 10am – 5pm

 

Discover Our Panda-tastic Bundles

 

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or something for yourself, visit our retail shop for our Le Le bundles*!

 

*While stocks last.

Venue: River Wonders Shop & House of Kai Kai and Jia Jia

Date: Now till 31 Oct 2023

 

Spend and Win!

 

Get a chance to spin the ‘sure-win’ capsule machine with a minimum spend of $150 at any River Wonders retail shop. Walk away with prizes such as vouchers, River Wonders merchandise and the Forever Friends panda plush grand prize worth $450.

 

*While stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Venue: River Wonders Shop & House of Kai Kai and Jia Jia

Date: 6 – 31 Oct 2023

 

Panda-licious Snack Boxes

 

Fuel up with panda-themed snack boxes.

Venue: Mama Panda Kiosk

Date: 6 – 31 Oct 2023

Time: 11am – 5pm

Bear-y Cute Sweet Treats

 

Indulge in these specially curated panda macarons perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Venue: Mama Panda Kiosk

Date: 6 – 31 Oct 2023

Time: 11am – 5pm

Wild Birthday at River Wonders: Bon Voyage, Le Le! Edition

 

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate your special day at River Wonders – explore the park with a personal guide and learn interesting stories about Le Le and other animal residents.

 

Indulge in a hearty birthday lunch at our VIP room and enjoy a complimentary, limited-edition panda cake. End the fun-filled day with reserved seats at the Once Upon a River presentation.

 

For more information, email [email protected].

Date: 6 – 31 Oct 2023

Panda-Mania Tour: Bon Voyage, Le Le! Edition

 

Commemorate Le Le’s journey with us by going on a Panda Mania Tour!​ Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest alongside a dedicated wildlife guide and gain exclusive insights into the Giant Panda family.​

 

Unleash your creativity by crafting your very own mini panda family using air-dry clay. Recharge with a sumptuous lunch at our VIP room and enjoy a complimentary, limited-edition panda cake. End the day with reserved seats at our Once Upon a River presentation.

 

For more information, email [email protected].

Date: 6 – 31 Oct 2023

 

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