Singapore's panda cub Le Le's return to China remains under discussion as he turns 2
The panda cub is showing signs of growing independence as the 'natural process' of separation at River Wonders from his mother approaches.
SINGAPORE — Le Le, Singapore's first giant panda cub, is displaying "signs of independence" and is on the cusp of being separated from his mother, Jia Jia.
The Mandai Wildlife Group, which operates River Wonders where Le Le and Jia Jia are staying, shared this update on Monday (14 August), as celebrations were underway to mark his second birthday.
Le Le's growing comfort in his own space has prompted the panda care team, in collaboration with Chinese experts, to prepare him for the next phase of his life, the group said in a media release.
The group had previously stated that Le Le would return to China when he reached two years old.
However, Yahoo Southeast Asia understands that his return date is still in discussion.
Transitioning towards independence
Regardless of his "visa status" in the country, one place Le Le will not be staying for long is with his mother.
However, it isn't a bad thing, as this transition toward independence is considered a "natural process" for giant pandas.
The Mandai Wildlife Group said Le Le has been engaging in activities like eating, resting, and playing on his own, apart from Jia Jia.
This mirrors the natural behaviour in the wild, where panda cubs exhibit signs of comfort when alone, while their mothers undergo behavioural changes that lead to "the eventual rejection of their cubs".
This process usually occurs between 18 and 24 months of age.
Given that giant pandas are solitary animals, this phase of development is a typical part of their maturation process.
The animal care team at Mandai has been facilitating Le Le's preparation for a new den, separate from Jia Jia's, according to the media release.
The group stated, "As it is critical to assist the cub and mom safely through the separation, the Animal Care team has been conditioning Le Le to enter a new private den that is segregated from (his) mom's. This will empower him to live apart from Jia Jia when the time comes. Le Le is growing comfortable in his own space, and his panda care team is working closely with the Chinese experts to prepare him for the next phase of his life."
After the separation, Jia Jia and Le Le will rotate their time at the Giant Panda Forest exhibit in River Wonders. The visiting public will be able to see Le Le between 10am and 2pm, and Jia Jia from 2pm to 6pm.
Celebrating Le Le's second birthday
Amid Le Le's second birthday festivities, the excitement from visitors was evident throughout the event at River Wonders.
Even before the gates opened at 10am, a line of over 20 eager spectators had formed, attendees eagerly awaiting the birthday cub.
Le Le's delighted the crowd as he interacted with enrichments prepared by the panda care team, which included a bamboo cake and an assortment of treats made from banana leaves, ice blocks, and sugarcane goodies.
The panda cub also received presents containing bamboo shoots, and a display of confetti crafted from straw, hay, and wood shavings.
Subsequently, Jia Jia entered the enclosure to join in the festivities alongside her son, where they shared endearing moments, such as Le Le sneakily grabbing a bite of bamboo shoot from her.
Having made several mating attempts since 2015, she, along with Kai Kai, welcomed the birth of Le Le in 2021.
While Le Le's situation is uncertain at the moment, the stay of Jia Jia and Kai Kai in Singapore has been extended until 2027.
Visitor hopes for Le Le's future
Meanwhile, some Singaporeans are weren't taking any chances on the local panda cub's future.
Carol Ong, one of the visitors, expressed her eagerness to seize the opportunity to see Le Le before any potential return to China.
"Although the official opening time was 10am, the instant the doors opened, we all started running to catch a glimpse of Le Le. Knowing that his time here might be limited and he might return to China, we're determined to make the most of his presence. We really hope that he stays in Singapore, though; we want him to stay with his family together."
Salbiah Sirat, another attendee, shared her affection for the pandas, particularly Le Le, and the solace they brought during challenging times.
"Due to work commitments, I came once every two months this year, a change from my frequent visits last year. When I feel fed-up about my personal life, I come and see the pandas, and it makes me less stressed and relieved just seeing their cuteness," she told Yahoo.
Some visitors were not even aware of the occasion, chancing upon the celebration by coincidence.
"My side of the family, who is Japanese, is here, so we decided to come here and see the pandas. We didn't expect to see such a crowd for Le Le," shared visitor Mei Kimura.
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