Zoos SA look to keep giant pandas in Adelaide

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February 14, 2019

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With its 10-year set to expire in November, Adelaide Zoo is seeking to keep the only giant pandas in the southern hemisphere into the future.

While giant pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni have yet to produce offspring, Zoos SA say they want to convince the China Wildlife Conservation Association to allow the pandas to stay in South Australia, and are hoping the Federal Government will join their push to secure the pair long term.

Zoos SA Chief Executive Elaine Bensted said the organisation had already advised their counterparts in China of their intention to extend the stay of the pandas.

Bensted recently advised “Wang Wang and Fu Ni are in Adelaide on a 10-year loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association with the current loan agreement expiring in November.

"Ultimately, the decision rests with the Australian Government as they provide the funding that goes to giant panda conservation in China.

"We're talking with the Government and we hope to have an answer in the near future.

"We are confident that our purpose-built facilities and our experience in the last nine years give us the best chance possible to successfully breed giant pandas in the future."

Under the current deal, the Federal Government pays $1 million a year to the Chinese Government to house the pair in Adelaide.

The panda pair - who won a silver medal as the most popular pandas outside of China - are part of an international research, conservation and breeding program aimed at preserving the endangered species.

However, despite multiple breeding and artificial insemination attempts Fu Ni has not yet become pregnant, instead experiencing pseudo pregnancies that have dashed the hopes of specialists and keepers.

There are fewer than 1600 giant pandas remaining in the wild.

13th November 2017 - Monarto Zoo opens new Lions 360 experience

24th December 2016 - Adelaide Zoo the first in Australia to roll out iBeacon technology

27th May 2016 - Adelaide Zoo closes after botched robbery of gift shop ATM

15th October 2015 - Mixed reaction to plans to bring Giant Pandas to Wellington Zoo

8th October 2015 - Giant Pandas and Little Penguins combine for conservation

24th August 2015 - Adelaide Zoo celebrates giant panda Fu Ni’s ninth birthday

30th July 2015 - Hong Kong pandas reach world record for longevity

9th September 2011 - Adelaide Zoo $25 million in debt and facing asset repossession

19th January 2011 - Pandas will leave Adelaide Zoo in debt for a decade

1st December 2010 - Adelaide Zoo’s Pandas boost visitors

2nd December 2009 - Adelaide Pandas bring $600 million boost

16th September 2009 - Adelaide Set to go Panda Crazy

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