Zoo Negara Malaysia welcomes Feng Yi and Fu Wa

On May 21, 2014, Malaysia’s National Zoo or Zoo Negara Malaysia received its long awaited guests. Two eight year old giant pandas, Feng Yi (female) and Fu Wa (male) will make Malaysia their home for the next 10 years. The two pandas are on a loan by the the Chinese government to mark their 40th diplomatic ties between the two countries.

After a month of quarantine, in order to help them to get accustomed to their new environment, finally the giant pandas are open to public and we did not waste any time to see these gentle creatures up close.

Entrance to Zoo Negara Malaysia

Visiting Zoo Negara has become one of our favourite past times. With over 110 acres of land and 476 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish, there are so much to see and learn.

The best way to explore the zoo is by walking but be warned it is a long long walk. Walking around the zoo has a calming effect with its huge trees and wide roads, though we must advise you to plan your rest room stops especially if you are with kids.

Nevertheless, the zoo does have trams that provides a round the zoo trip for those who are not keen on walking.

Zoo Negara Malaysia was officially opened on 14 November 1963 and the arrival of the giant pandas is in time with the zoo’s 50th anniversary.

The newly built Giant Panda Conservation Centre took 10 months to complete and according to the zoo officials it is the best and biggest in the world.

The giant pandas can receive up to 3000 visitors a day. Each session, which lasts about 20 minutes allows 150 visitors per session.

Our holding room where we receive our briefing before we were ushered to the main exhibition hall.

The 1.6 ha complex is equipped with exercise area, holding den, laboratory, veterinary clinic and incubator room. The complex is being maintained at a temperature between 18 – 24 degree Celsius for the comfort of Fu Wa and Feng Yi.

Feng Yi

Feng Yi enjoying her bamboo

Fu Wa

Both Feng Yi and Fu Wa each needs 18 – 22 kg of bamboo daily. Another interesting fact about our giant pandas are both of them were chosen as one of the icons for the Beijing Olympics 2008.