Taipei Zoo's Red Panda 'Qiqi' Arrives in Singapore to Aid Ex Situ Conservation

To maintain the genetic diversity of the ex situ red panda population, Taipei Zoo introduced two individuals from Shanghai and arranged for 'Qiqi', who was born and raised in Taipei, to travel to Singapore. The zoo stated that 'Qiqi' has already arrived and quickly began exploring its new environment and eating.

Taipei Zoo issued a press release today stating that most of the red pandas in the zoo are descendants of 'Huanhuan', 'Meike', and YAYA, who came from the Fuzhou Giant Panda Research and Exchange Center in China in 2014. Therefore, to maintain the health of the population, it is necessary to actively exchange with zoos in other regions and introduce new bloodlines by transferring individuals.

The zoo stated that under the framework of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Global Species Management Plan, Taipei and Singapore zoos coordinated to arrange for the 10-year-old male red panda 'Qiqi' to depart yesterday and arrive at Singapore Zoo early this morning.

The zoo said that after settling into its new home, 'Qiqi' quickly began exploring its new environment and eating. They wished it success in breeding the next generation, helping to maintain the population size and genetic diversity of this endangered species in ex situ conservation.

Taipei Zoo recently exchanged two red pandas with Shanghai Zoo and introduced a female red panda named 'Xixi' from Asahiyama Zoo in Japan in March. The zoo currently cares for more than ten red pandas.