Pandas to arrive in Malaysia earlier than expected

Malaysians will be able to feast their eyes on a pair of giant pandas in Zoo Negara earlier than expected.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas said this is because the ministry is confident that the conservation and exhibition centre for the zoo will be completed within the stipulated time.

“The exhibit will be completed by November 2013 and the pandas will arrive in December 2013,” he said after handing over the project site to Syarikat Damaikon Sdn Bhd contractors.

Douglas said the construction of the conservation centre will begin immediately.

layout

Animal exhibit and landscape layout plan

He also said that Malaysian experts will be sent to China to study about the ways to take care of the pandas.

“Experts from China will also be coming to Malaysia to ensure that the exhibit complies with the conditions stipulated by agencies in China.

“We hope the pandas will be healthy and hopefully produce offspring,” he said.

On another matter, Douglas said the ministry has received a total of 2,324 suggestions for the panda naming competition.

“We will announce the winners in due course,” he said.

Meanwhile, Multi Spex Architects director Zulkhairi Md Zain, who is responsible in designing the exhibit said the inspiration for the design came from the panda habitat in Sichuan.

Artist impression of the exhibit

Artist's impression of the exhibit

He said the 4,000 square meter exhibit will be able to take in a baby panda if the pandas reproduce.

“The conservation centre will also have a cafe, clinic, learning centre and bamboo storage area,” he said.