TIAN BAO, Bao Di, and Bao Mei, three giant pandas born at Pairi Daiza zoo in Belgium, embarked on their journey back to China on Tuesday. Their parents Xing Hui and Hao Hao will remain at the zoo until 2029.

Tian Bao, born in 2016, along with his younger siblings, twins Bao Di and Bao Mei, born in 2019, will join the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Bifengxia, Sichuan Province.

Despite the chilly December weather, nearly 1,000 visitors gathered at the zoo to bid farewell to the beloved pandas. Calm but inquisitive, the trio sat in specially designed enclosures prepared for their trip.

At a farewell ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao said: “Giant pandas are not only adorable and rare animals that bring joy to people, but also serve as a bridge that connects people’s emotions and promotes cultural exchange. They symbolize the shared commitment of China and Belgium to protecting nature and living in harmony with it.”

Since they arrived in Belgium in 2014, Hao Hao and Xing Hui have captivated millions of visitors.

Eric Domb, founder of Pairi Daiza zoo, expressed both pride and sadness at the giant pandas’ departure. “We will continue to care for giant pandas with all our love, just as we always have. We will keep striving to help them produce more cubs,” he said, emphasizing the zoo’s dedication to panda conservation.

The giant pandas began their quarantine Nov. 11 to be prepared for this journey. Their return was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Zoo Berlin’s new panda twins were officially named Friday. The two female cubs born Aug. 22 were introduced as Meng Hao (“beautiful dreams”) and Meng Tian (“sweet dreams”). Alternatively, they also answer to the Berlin names of Leni and Lotti — tributes to Berlin native Marlene Dietrich and the German capital’s Charlottenburg district. They are the second pair of giant pandas born in Germany.(Xinhua)