Chongqing - CUE Group symbolically adopted two giant pandas twins, "Qizhen and Qibao," both meaning rare treasure, on Nov 1 at the Chongqing Zoo. At the adoption ceremony, the Group renamed the adopted giant pandas "Xiong Xiaokai" (brother) and "Maoxiaoyu" (sister), hoping to spread the giant panda culture and contribute to public welfare undertakings.

Born on Sept 13, 2021, "Xiong Xiaokai" and "Maoxiaoyu" are one year old, healthy, lively and lovely. Their mother is the giant panda "Curious" in Chongqing Zoo, and their father is the giant panda "Lulin" in China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center. They are expected to enjoy their life chapter with the care of the CUE Group.

"Symbolic adoption is different from the adoption in general meaning. After adopting the animal, the animal is still kept in the zoo. The adopter will receive the honorary certificate of 'Caring for Wild Animals' issued by Chongqing Zoo. They can be hired as a volunteer supervisor or join the volunteer team of zoo conservation education," said Yin Yu, Deputy Director of Chongqing Zoo Management Office.

The two giant pandas twins, "Qizhen and Qibao,"  are at the adoption ceremony. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Adopters can also learn about the living conditions of the animals, visit the animals in person, and participate in popular science activities later. "Through symbolic adoption, they can make substantial contributions to the protection of wild animals," Yin added.

At the adoption ceremony, Yin said the zoo would fully use the donations for giant panda conservation. The donation will be used for feeding and management, breeding research, disease prevention and control, and other aspects.

The two giant pandas twins, "Qizhen and Qibao," plays at the adoption ceremony. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

"The symbolic adoption of wild animals is a long-term public welfare project. All enterprises, institutions, social groups, and individuals can symbolically adopt wild animals. Chongqing Zoo opens symbolic adoption for over 500 representative wild animals, such as South China tigers, clouded leopards, orangutans, gibbons, Asian elephants, hippos, and red-crowned cranes.

As early as the 1980s, Chongqing Zoo launched a public welfare adoption of wild animals. And many wild animals in the national wildlife breeding units are also adopted by the public these years.