Wang Wang

Funi

The purpose-built, multi-million-dollar, climate-controlled exhibit for Wang Wang and Funi

South Australia is welcoming two Giant Pandas from China to their new home at Adelaide Zoo on November 28.

Wang Wang and Funi promise to become a star attraction at a purpose-built, multi-million-dollar, climate-controlled exhibit.

The endangered species are being flown from China's Wolong Sanctuary for the Giant Pandas in Sichuan Province.

“As the only Giant Pandas in Australia, the gift from China is a coup for Adelaide, for South Australians, and for interstate and international visitors”, said Adelaide Lord Mayor Michael Harbison.

“They bring with them the opportunity to forge closer relationships with our friends in China. Adelaide and China have developed strong ties, and these will only strengthen with Panda diplomacy.”

South Australia’s pandas will enjoy a wonderful quality of life in their state-of-the-art enclosure. Their new AUD8 million home features refrigerated rocks in a bamboo forest of incorporating large climbing trees and streams, as well as night quarters and storage for the 40 kilograms of fresh bamboo they will eat each day.

It was designed with expert advice from forestry and conservation experts from the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

The attraction will also feature a gift shop, plaza area and red panda exhibit, as well as a 'Panda Discovery Trail' educating visitors about conservation and research efforts by the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda at Wolong.

Australia’s Governor General Quentin Bryce AC, will officially open the new Giant Panda exhibit in December, exact date to be confirmed. Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Mr. Zhang Junsai, will also attend the civic ceremony.

Wang Wang and Funi will stay on loan at Adelaide Zoo for the next decade. Zoos SA Chief Executive, Dr Chris West, said, “They are an incredibly exciting addition to Adelaide Zoo.”

South Australia Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith added, “The imminent arrival of the Giant Pandas in Adelaide is creating great interest and anticipation among South Australians as this will be the first time Giant Pandas have been exhibited in this country since 1988.