Back in 2007, China sent a special gift to Spain: two adorable giant pandas named Hua Zui Ba and Bing Xing. They quickly rose to fame at the Madrid Zoo, winning over both visitors and staff. After seventeen years, the time has come for these furry friends to embark on a new journey back to China.
This means saying goodbye to not just Bing Xing and Hua Zui Ba, but also their six cubs who were born right there in Madrid! Everyone at the zoo, including the panda caretaker, Maria del Clo, feels a bit sad to see them go. However, there’s also a reason to celebrate!
China has promised to send a new pair of younger pandas to take their place. This continues the wonderful collaboration between Spain and China, a way of showing their strong friendship.
Remember, the Panda program was a big success in Madrid. Not only did it bring joy to people, but it also helped pandas overall. Thanks to conservation efforts, the number of pandas in the wild has increased significantly, going from around 1,100 in the 1980s to almost 2,000 in 2023! This means pandas are no longer in as much danger, which is fantastic news.
So, while it’s a bit sad to see Bing Xing and his family go, Madrid Zoo is eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new panda ambassadors. This program not only benefits pandas but also strengthens the bond between the two countries, all thanks to these incredible creatures!
