A beary emotional goodbye

KUALA LUMPUR: Emotions ran high as some 40 panda enthusiasts gathered at Zoo Negara in the early hours to bid farewell to giant panda pair, Fu Wa and Feng Yi.
By 5am, 'loyal fans', some of whom travelled from other states, were already waiting patiently at the zoo's gates, hoping for one last glimpse of the pandas before they left for China via the KL Inter­natio­nal Airport yesterday.
At 7.15am, the convoy carrying the pandas rolled out of Zoo Negara.
As the vehicles passed, tearful fans waved, snapped photos and livestreamed the moment, with some calling out 'Goodbye Fu Wa and Feng Yi' through choked voices.
The two pandas arrived in Malaysia on May 21, 2014, under China's panda loan programme – a symbol of goodwill marking 40 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
Once settled at Zoo Negara, they were renamed – Fu Wa became Xing Xing (prosperity) and Feng Yi became Liang Liang (pretty).
Zoo Negara deputy president Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana said panda caretaker Mohd Saiffullah Md Yusuf accompanied the pandas to China and would remain there for several days to help them settle in.
'I truly appreciate the fans coming. Even though this wasn't an official farewell, their presence was huge,' he told reporters after the pandas were sent off to KLIA.
Among the early risers was 56-year-old Chin Lee Peng, who arrived at 5am with seven friends.
Not content with just seeing them off at the zoo, she also wanted to head to the airport to wave a final goodbye.
'Since I heard the pandas would be leaving, I've been visiting the zoo every weekend.
'I'm sad but I take comfort knowing that they are returning to their homeland.
'I wish them a healthy and happy life,' she added.
Chin said she plans to visit the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Wolong next week to catch a glimpse of Yi Yi – the second panda born in Malaysia which was sent back to China and made her public debut this month.
For 27-year-old Lily Atikah, who arrived at 5.30am, the morning was filled with bittersweet feelings.
'I'm sad to see them go, but I fully support Malaysia welcoming another panda pair.
'This collaboration with China on conservation is important.
'Not everyone can afford to travel to China, but when they're here, we get to visit them often.
'I'm really looking forward to meeting the new pandas,' she added.
Mazni Zainudin, 39, said she was already heartbroken last year when cubs Sheng Yi and Yi Yi left.
'Now it's their parents' turn to go ... It's so emotional.
'If I ever get the chance to visit them in China, I'll be overjoyed.
'I've been following updates on Chinese social media, and I was so happy to learn Yi Yi has finally been exhibited to the public,' she said.
Mazni first fell in love with pandas, thanks to the animated film Kung Fu Panda.
'Then Malaysia actually received real pandas – what a dream come true! It's more than just animals – it's a symbol of our enduring friendship with China,' she added.
Goh Leang Leang, 54, has been following the pandas closely since 2022. She arrived alone at 5.30am after driving from home without informing anyone.
Goh, who will travel to Chengdu and Chongqing next March, said the entire nine-day trip would be dedicated to visiting pandas.
'This will be my second panda tour,' she said, adding that she especially wanted to visit Nuan Nuan, the first panda born in Malaysia, which now lives in Nanjing.
Shaira Ali, 41, shared a heartfelt tribute, saying that pandas had brought colour and comfort into her life.
'They filled the empty spaces in my heart with happiness, sketched smiles across my face when I needed them most, and were like silent therapists during my darkest days,' she said.
She added that she would continue following Zoo Negara's updates, holding onto hope for the arrival of a new panda pair.
During their time in Malaysia, Fu Wa and Feng Yi started a family, producing three cubs – Nuan Nuan, born on Aug 18, 2015; Yi Yi on Jan 14, 2018; and Sheng Yi, on May 31, 2021.
Later, the momentous send-off held at the Animal Hotel of KLIA was attended by Natural Resour­ces and Environmental Sustaina­bi­lity Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, ministry secretary-­general Datuk Dr Ching Too Kim and representatives from the Chinese Embassy.
The pandas departed at 11.28am, headed to Chengdu, via a cargo aircraft.
In a statement, the ministry said Malaysia would continue its collaboration with China under a new agreement signed on April 16 during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia.
Under the agreement, Malaysia will receive a new pair of giant pandas for a 10-year period from 2025 to 2035.

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