Le Le will begin his 4½-week quarantine on Dec 14, before he gets on a plane for China.
When Sim Pei Ying first laid eyes on Le Le in August 2021, the tiny, pink ball of fur barely filled her palm. Now, two years later, that palm-sized cub has blossomed into an adolescent panda with a penchant for bamboo, carrots, and apples.
As a senior keeper at Mandai Wildlife Group, responsible for the care of River Wonders’ giant pandas for the past decade, Sim Pei Ying takes immense pride in Le Le’s growth. Yet, there’s a bittersweet tinge to it all—Le Le’s impending move to China to join the panda-breeding program marks the end of his stay in Singapore.
Born on Aug 14, 2021, to Kai Kai and Jia Jia, Le Le’s departure on Jan 16, 2024, is drawing near. His final day for public viewing is slated for Dec 13.
In an interview with The Straits Times, two keepers from River Wonders’ animal care team reflected on their cherished moments with Le Le, the first panda cub born in Singapore.
“For all of us, he holds a special place in our hearts. He’s Singapore’s first giant panda cub,” shared Sim Pei Ying, reminiscing about Le Le’s significant milestones, from his initial steps to his birthdays and mastering the art of climbing. She fondly recalled his endearing attempts to grab attention before his mother and his playful tumbles in the specially crafted jungle gym.
Norfaizah Abdul Aziz, another keeper entrusted with caring for the giant pandas, will dearly miss Le Le’s spontaneous acrobatics, especially his penchant for hanging upside down from trees in the exhibit.
Le Le’s unique traits, a blend inherited from both parents, make him stand out. Like his father, he remains unfazed by loud noises, unlike most pandas. He carries on with his routine, munching on bamboo, even amidst chaos. On the other hand, his ability to swiftly learn new skills mirrors his mother’s intelligence, a characteristic that sets him apart.
As the time for Le Le’s departure draws closer, his caretakers are preparing him for the transition. They’re meticulously documenting his preferences, health records, and behavioral cues to pass on to their counterparts in China. Yet, the impending separation evokes mixed emotions. Sim Pei Ying admits, “It is a bittersweet moment for me,” acknowledging Le Le’s growing independence while bidding farewell.
Preparations for Le Le’s journey involve a 4½-week quarantine starting Dec 14, ensuring he’s in top-notch health before his flight to China. Amidst the health checks and final arrangements, the keepers anticipate an emotional farewell as they watch him embark on the next chapter of his life.
The journey ahead might be bittersweet, but the memories of Le Le’s growth and playful antics will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who cared for Singapore’s cherished panda cub.
