Giant pandas move to new home

SINGAPORE: Giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia are being introduced to their new home, the Giant Panda Forest at River Safari, after one month in quarantine.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) said on Thursday that they completed their quarantine on October 6.

Over the next few weeks, River Safari’s zoology team, headed by Assistant Director of Zoology, Ang Cheng Chye, will introduce Kai Kai and Jia Jia to their climate—controlled habitat.

The 1,500 square—metre exhibit — the largest in Southeast Asia “ simulates the bears’ natural habitat, with lush plants, boulders and water features.

The temperature is kept at between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius year round and humidity is set at 50 to 60 per cent to ensure that the pandas are comfortable.

Keepers will place the bears’ favourite food — bamboo — in various locations to encourage them to explore their new surroundings.

The time they will spend in the new exhibit will be extended progressively.

WRS’ veterinary team had given the giant pandas a clean bill of health after a thorough medical examination on September 20.

Both Kai Kai and Jia Jia have been feeding on locally—grown bamboo, such as Sulphur and Siamese bamboo, a day after they arrived on September 6.

Visitors can view the pandas from December.

— CNA/fa