Good News! Xing Xing & Liang Liang The Pandas Are Staying On In Malaysia
More chances to see these silly bears.
By Tamara Jayne — 25 Mar 2025, 11:10 AM
Great news, panda lovers! The adorable giant pandas at Zoo Negara, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, will be staying in Malaysia for a while longer.
The government has officially extended the pandas' loan agreement with China, ensuring that the beloved duo continues to call Zoo Negara home.
According to Bernama, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad confirmed the extension, emphasising that the pandas are more than just zoo attractions — they represent the strong diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
"We've already started the extension. It's a symbol of friendship between Malaysia and China. It also draws visitors to Zoo Negara, and that's why the government has been supportive of keeping the pandas here," he said during a press conference at Wisma Bernama yesterday, 24 March.
Xing Xing and Liang Liang, originally named Fu Wa and Feng Yi, arrived in Malaysia on 21 May 2014 as part of a special 10-year conservation and goodwill loan, which was set to end this year
Since then, they've captured the hearts of Malaysians and even welcomed three adorable cubs: Nuan Nuan (born in 2015, returned to China in 2017), Yi Yi (born in 2018), and Sheng Yi (born in 2021). Yi Yi and Sheng Yi were both sent back to China in 2023.
Under the agreement, any panda cubs born in Malaysia must be sent back to China when they reach between 24 months and four years of age. But the presence of Xing Xing and Liang Liang has been a huge boost for Zoo Negara's panda conservation programme.
If you haven't visited them, now's your chance! Swing by Zoo Negara and say hello to Malaysia's favourite panda couple.
Aside from visiting them, you can also 'adopt' them by donating to their wildlife conservation fund. Your donation helps ensure the pandas receive proper food, enrichment, and medical care.
You can contribute here.
