by Xinhua writer Jiang Yaping
ADELAIDE, Australia, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- The arrival of pandas in Australia this December would be a significant historic event marking the strong friendship between China and Australia, said Chris West, CEO of Adelaide Zoo.
Under an agreement between the governments of China and Australia, China would provide Australia with two pandas for a term of ten years. Adelaide Zoo would be the new home of the two pandas, which are named Wang Wang and Funi. The pandas would be put at the disposal of the zoo for research.
"I know that pandas are a Chinese national treasure, and at Adelaide Zoo, we are totally aware of the great honor and trust placed in us," West, who had also once served as CEO of Britain's London Zoo, remarked in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.
"The Giant Pandas will be powerful ambassadors for harmony and friendship between our two countries," he added.
When asked why Adelaide Zoo was chosen to host the two pandas, West said proudly that the zoo had a strong tradition of caring for endangered species of various kinds, breeding them and carrying out valuable research. The species included various bear species and Red Pandas.
The zoo chief noted that he was a veterinary surgeon and had traveled to Sichuan province's Wolong and Chengdu Giant Panda bases several times over the past 12 years to learn and share information about breeding, health management, nutrition and the like.
"In short, we are a world-class conservation zoo with a long record of science-based success," he concluded.
Talking about the preparations the zoo had made to welcome WangWang and Funi, West disclosed that they had built a state-of-the-art habitat for the two pandas to live in, using the advice of Chinese colleagues to make sure they have a wonderful life.
"Our climate means we have slightly warmer winters than in Sichuan, and some summer days are hotter and drier and, to address this, we have included chilled rocks, running cold water, much shade and indoor air-conditioned areas for their comfort," West said.
West added that the designated panda keepers were very experienced and would soon travel to China to get to know the "Australian" pandas before accompanying them back to Adelaide.
When asked whether there were any concerns about the pandas' special diet, West replied that they had plenty of bamboo for the pandas.
"We have established a bamboo plantation of over 8 hectares andare growing 7 species of bamboo to ensure a good choice. To supplement the bamboo from the plantation, we also have a register of landowners who have large stands of mature bamboo in the hills around Adelaide, and we will be able to crop this too," the veteran veterinarian said.
In recent months, public anticipation has been growing enormously, and many media are inquiring about information on the pandas and Chinese conservation work.
"Our zoo membership is increasing at a rapid rate, and website hits also. We have built a whole new entrance precinct to make sure we can handle the crowds," West said.
As the two pandas are to be sent to Australia for research purposes, West said the Australian side could share a commitment to panda conservation with their Chinese colleagues by taking care of the two animals.
"We can help with veterinary training, disease research, reproduction work and preparing animals for eventual release into the wild," he noted.
Wang Wang and Funi are scheduled to make their public debut on Dec. 13. The Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce, will be present at the ceremony, which is expected to attract a huge crowd of panda aficionados.
