Adelaide bids emotional farewell to beloved pandas

Representatives from around the world gathered at the Adelaide Zoo to bid farewell to the beloved giant pandas, "Wang Wang" and "Funi." The pair of giant pandas are about to embark on their journey back to China, after having lived in South Australia for 15 years. This marks the end of an era for the zoo and its panda-loving visitors.

South Australian Zoo Chief Executive Elaine Bensted stated, "I'm not sure if they know, but they'll certainly realize something is different when they head to the airport." Fans from South Australia and beyond sent heartfelt farewell messages, which were cleverly used to decorate gifts for the pandas to explore and enjoy. These gifts were specially prepared to make their departure as comfortable as possible.

Ms. Bensted also shared, "I just received a note from a friend saying you must feel like parents about to send their children overseas, and I think many people feel that way." The Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, also attended the farewell event. Ms. Bensted added, "I think they have always been a symbol of the relationship between the two countries... so this is an opportunity to hold a formal farewell ceremony."

Tomorrow morning, police will escort the giant pandas to the airport, and they are expected to depart for China at around 6:00 AM. It is anticipated that two new giant pandas, "Xing Qiu" and "Yi Lan," will arrive in Adelaide from China before the end of this year. This exchange ensures the continuation of the giant panda program at the Adelaide Zoo.