Le Le, Singapore's First Locally Born Panda

On August 14, 2021, Singapore's River Safari was blessed with a significant milestone: the birth of the country's first locally born giant panda, Le Le. This adorable male cub, born to parents Jia Jia (also known as Hu Bao) and Wu Jie (Kai Kai), quickly became a sensation among both Singaporeans and panda enthusiasts worldwide.

The naming ceremony for Le Le took place on December 29, 2021, exactly 138 days after his birth. The name "Le Le" was chosen through a public voting process, with over 37,000 suggestions submitted. "Le" is derived from "Selat," the Malay word for strait, which refers to Singapore's geographical location. It is also homophonous with "le" in Chinese, meaning happiness. In Cantonese, "le lei" (叻叻) signifies someone who is clever and capable.

When Le Le was first introduced to the public on December 30, 2021, he spent most of his debut appearance asleep, charming everyone with his innocent slumber. The "nursery" for Le Le, measuring about seven square meters, was adorned with artificial turf and walls painted with bamboo patterns, featuring his Chinese and English names. The public was able to visit Le Le twice daily, with each session lasting 20 to 30 minutes and accommodating only about 100 visitors.

Throughout his stay in Singapore, Le Le grew up in the loving care of his parents and the staff at River Safari. By the time of his debut, he had already gained about 9.5 kilograms and stretched to nearly 79 centimeters in length, with all 24 of his baby teeth fully grown. His growth and development were closely monitored and celebrated by many.

In December 2023, as Le Le prepared to return to China, the Singapore River Safari organized a farewell event titled "Enduring Friendship, Joy with Le Le," co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, and the China National Grand Theatre. The event marked the beginning of a series of activities to bid farewell to the beloved panda.

On December 13, 2023, the final public appearance of Le Le in Singapore took place, drawing thousands of visitors who came to say goodbye to the beloved panda. The farewell ceremony was held amidst a warm and emotional atmosphere, as people lined up to catch a glimpse of Le Le before his departure.

After months of preparation, Le Le finally embarked on his journey back to China on January 16, 2024. He arrived safely at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in the evening, escorted by both Chinese and Singaporean authorities. This significant event not only marked the end of Le Le's chapter in Singapore but also opened a new one for him in his homeland.

Le Le's birth and growth in Singapore served as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between China and Singapore. His presence brought joy and excitement to the people of Singapore, who had the opportunity to witness the adorable moments of this giant panda cub up close. The farewell ceremony and his return to China were bittersweet moments, as people celebrated Le Le's growth while mourning his departure.

In conclusion, Le Le's story is a testament to the power of international cooperation and the joy that wildlife can bring to people's lives. His birth in Singapore and eventual return to China have been milestones in the history of giant panda conservation and international relations. As Le Le begins his new life in China, we hope that his story will continue to inspire people around the world to cherish and protect wildlife.