Chongqing - Four new pandas recently homed at Locajoy Theme Park in Yongchuan District have been officially introduced to the eager public, who can now meet face-to-face with the sisters Qing Hua and Qing Lu, as well as new residents Qiao Yue and Ai Lian up close inside their purpose-built enclosures designed with fun and cozy themes.

The furry quartet arrived at the facility in late December from the China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Pandas based in Sichuan, and following a brief isolation period of 20 days, which has allowed them to adapt to their new surroundings gradually, the Panda Pavilion is now open to receive for public visitors as of January 18th. 

Looking from above, the design of the main reception building clearly resembles a panda’s face, while the overall complex occupies 130,000 square meters divided into four indoor sections with modern air-conditioning and ventilation systems. These four areas have distinct seasonal themes based on spring blossom, summer rain, autumn sounds, and winter snow. 

Meanwhile, the outdoor enclosures seek to recreate the terrain and environment from their natural habitat and feature wooden structures, rockeries, and 3D mirrors to satisfy their innate playful tendencies.

New arrivals exude personality

Since the four pandas arrived in Locajoy, they have received lavish attention from netizens and the general public, who have inundated the park keepers with requests to take good care of them. They also eagerly stated their wish to come and see the pandas for themselves.

Four-year-old Qiao Yue was the first to venture outside when the isolation period came to an end. Information boards mounted alongside the enclosures describe that although she’s a cute and gentle panda, she also has a mischievous streak to her character. She is also adept at climbing in a way not too unlike the Kungfu Panda loved in the movies. 

Qing Hua and Qing Lu sisters are over two years old and have remained together since arriving in Locajoy. This naughty yet cute duo has touched visitors with their profound affection and love to play around together inside the enclosures. This epithet stems from how they washed spotlessly clean in the pool after they first arrived and the reaction of enthralled netizens who commented they could barely recognize their tubby white appearance when they finished.

Last but not least, Ai Lian is a fluffy panda aged five years old, and although he doesn’t care so much for appearances like the Eau de Toilette sisters, keepers still praise him as a strikingly handsome creature. He also eats heartily whenever fresh bamboo is delivered to his enclosure. 

Pandas further enhance science popularisation

Walking along the open corridors inside the pavilions, there are large glass walls on one side for tourists to watch the pandas whenever they’re indoors, while the other side features a wide variety of popular science-themed activities, such as interactive projections and colorful wall-mounted displays. On the opening day, zoo manager Zhang Lu explained the importance that Locajoy attaches to science popularisation. 

“Locajoy is a national education and research base for primary and junior students, and many schools arrange visits to our park. Therefore, we consider the new Panda Pavilion a great opportunity to build on this. In addition to the displays and equipment, we have professional instructors who can answer questions face to face on-site, which will help spread general knowledge about pandas among society.” Zhang told WCICO reporter James Alexander.

Chongqing Locajoy Animal Theme Park is a popular 4A-rated scenic area in the Yongchuan District of Chongqing and features a large amusement park, a water park open in summer months, and a wildlife safari park covering 825 acres with a total investment of 3 billion yuan. 

The latter is home to more than 100 species of birds and exotic animals, including African elephants, giraffes, and tigers. Since the National Forestry Administration first approved the wildlife park in 2000, Yongchuan has enjoyed a strong reputation in the field of natural conservation.

(Cheng Jialu, as an intern, also contributed to this report)