If the two giant pandas, Fu Wa and Feng Yi successfully mate in Zoo Negara, Malaysia will get to keep the cub!
Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit said the two giant pandas, which will be on loan to Malaysia from China, will arrive at KL International Airport at 6.30am on April 15.
“If the two giant pandas produce a baby here, we will get to keep the baby. When the baby reaches three years of age, Fu Wa and Feng Yi will be sent back to China,” he said.
James said this in response to a question raised by G. Manivannan (PKR – Kapar) who asked if it was true that if the two giant pandas produced a baby, the offspring must be sent to China when it is three years old.
James said if a baby was produced, the cub would belong to Malaysia while its parents would be returned to China when it reaches three years of age.
“We will care for this baby panda and it will be part of the zoo for visitors to see and appreciate,” he said.
Regarding the bamboo leaves to be fed to the pandas, James said the plant species was found locally and had been identified by the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, which would ensure a continuous supply.
Upon arrival, the pandas will be housed in the 1.6ha Giant Panda Conservation and Exhibition Centre at Zoo Negara.
The total cost of the exhibition centre is RM25mil, with RM15mil provided by the 1Malaysia Development Bhd and the rest borne by the Government.
On June 15, 2012, Malaysian and Chinese governments sealed a deal for Feng Yi and Fu Wa to be loaned to Malaysia for 10 years to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries this year.
[Source]
