Giant Panda cub Le Le to return to China in January 2024
12 Nov 2023
Singapore’s first Giant Panda cub will make the journey back to China in January 2024 to join the conservation programme for his species.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
13 December 2023 will mark Le Le’s final public appearance in the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest at River Wonders, before he proceeds into quarantine the next day, until his departure date. The farewell campaign in honour of Le Le will continue through to 13 December 2023 with photo points, a mailbox for farewell fan mail and more. On Le Le’s last day in his exhibit, there will also be a final farewell party.
Jia Jia had already started exhibiting avoidance behaviours such as moving away when Le Le approaches, and in the last month, she has been observed to display initial signs of rejection, like chasing Le Le away. This is the natural progression in the Giant Panda species and Jia Jia will eventually reject two-year-old Le Le. Preparations have been underway by the panda care team for a smooth transition for the separation of both pandas. The bears will timeshare their exhibit in the lead-up to Le Le’s departure. When timesharing kicks in, the public can see Le Le from 10am to 2pm and Jia Jia from 2pm to 6pm.
To date, Le Le has received two vaccinations and will undergo thorough health checks during quarantine. A customised crate is being constructed to transport Le Le to China. When it is completed, the animal care team will begin conditioning Le Le to his crate. The process involves using Positive Reinforcement Training with food rewards to encourage the animal to voluntarily enter the crate and get accustomed to being inside. This consistent training will aid the keepers in the transfer of Le Le, making it as stress-free as possible on the day his flight departs. Mandai Wildlife Group is also working closely with Singapore Airlines on the logistics to ensure a comfortable journey for Le Le on the national carrier to his new home.
More information on the Bon Voyage, Le Le! campaign can be found in the Annex and online.
Annex
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: Till 13 Dec 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: Till 13 Dec 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: Till 13 Dec 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 panda mailbox. Redeem a free* panda plantable postcard when you snap a photo of your fan mail and share it on social media. Tag us at @mandaiwildlifereserve and #BonVoyageLeLe. *Limited quantity and on a first-come-first-served basis. T&Cs apply. |
Venue: Panda Courtyard Date: 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 25, 26 Nov, 2, 3, 9, 10, 13 Dec 2023 Time: 10am – 5pm |
Le Le ‘Tours’ Singapore Before our Singapore-born Giant Panda bids his final farewell, our Le Le mascot will be making an appearance at some of our favourite local spots! If you spot the mascot, snap a photo, share it on social media and stand a chance to win* River Wonders admission tickets! Tag us at @mandaiwildlifereserve and #BonVoyageLeLe. *T&Cs apply. |
Venue: Around Singapore Date: 1 Dec 2023 |
Promotions |
Details |
Local Residents’ Discount Join us to bid farewell to Le Le and enjoy up to 20%* off River Wonders admission tickets! * T&Cs apply. |
Date: Ongoing |
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: Till 13 Dec 2023 Time: 10am – 5pm
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Panda-licious Snack Boxes Fuel up with panda-themed snack boxes. |
Venue: Mama Panda Kiosk Date: Till 13 Dec 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: Till 13 Dec 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: Till 13 Dec 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: Till 13 Dec 2023 |
