Goodbye Yi Yi and Sheng Yi!

SHAH ALAM - A sombre atmosphere enveloped the National Zoo when two giant panda cubs born in this country, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi, were sent back to China yesterday.

The heart-touching scene was captured in a poignant two-minute video shared via the National Zoo of Malaysia's Facebook page, showcasing the pandas' departure journey to China.

In a heartwarming display of affection, the pandas, emblematic of China's diplomatic ties with Malaysia, were carefully loaded onto a lorry, signalling their imminent departure.

Amidst heavy rainfall, the dedicated staff of Zoo Negara and ardent panda enthusiasts gathered to bid Yi Yi and Sheng Yi an emotional farewell.

"Thank you for all the memories together, and we hope to see you both healthy and happy in Chengdu. Bye bye, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi!" he said on Wednesday.

Recalling Fu Wa and Feng Yi, the parents of the panda cubs, which were renamed Xing Xing and Liang Liang (female), were loaned to the Malaysian government in 2014 for 10 years in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.

The couple had given birth to three panda cubs since: Nuan Nuan on Aug 18, 2015, Yi Yi on Jan 14, 2018 and Sheng Yi on May 30, 2021.

Nuan Nuan was sent back to China in 2017.

Their presence in Malaysia is a symbol of their long-standing bilateral relationship with China.

Meanwhile, a netizen left a comment saying goodbye to the two panda cubs.

The owner of the account, Kim JH Fraser, said goodbye to Yi Yi and Sheng Yi.

"Love you forever," he said.

Another social media user, Chow Catherine, felt very sad.

"Thank you to all the 'fathers' of Yi Yi and Sheng Yi who took care of them all this time," she said.

Atie Nakim stated that he did not have time to see the two panda cubs.

"Goodbye, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi; I didn't have time to see these two. Malaysia is proud that the panda cubs are well cared for and fluffy when they are returned to China," he said.