Beloved Panda Bear Departs From Singapore River Wonders

After the announcement in September 2023 that Le Le would be departing from Singapore, thousands of local families and international visitors have come to see the panda bear one last time. The iconic panda bear is now just a month away from his journey to China. There, he will officially join the country’s giant panda conservation program.

Le Le will be the VIP, or Very Important Panda, for the duration of the approximately 4.5-hour-long flight to his new home in Chengdu on January 16, 2024. He will be traveling in a highly customized travel crate and is currently undergoing training to get used to the crate conditions.

Mr. Marvin Tan, Senior Vice President Cargo, Singapore Airlines, said, “Everyone in Singapore has excitedly watched Le Le grow up over the last two years, and it is now time for him to go to his new home. Singapore Airlines is happy to do our part by providing him with a safe and comfortable flight to Chengdu in support of conservation programs in Singapore and around the world.”

Le Le being rewarded with a treat in his custom travel crate.\

Le Le’s Impact On River Wonders

Since his surprise arrival in August 2021, Le Le has been a distinct icon of River Wonders. He has brought much joy to many zoo-goers. As such, it is no surprise that his dedicated farewell party on Wednesday has attracted a lot of guests.

Dr. Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO of Life Sciences and Operations and Chief Life Sciences Officer, Mandai Wildlife Group, said, “We have watched our giant panda cub grow into the confident, inquisitive, and independent bear that he is today…It is so heartening to see people of all walks of life coming together for Le Le and cheering him on in the next chapter of his life.”

How You Can Send Your Well Wishes To The Panda

While the farewell party is over, you can still show your love for the panda! A community-centric memento of the beloved bear has been set up outside the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest. Anyone from the public can add their artistic strokes to what would eventually be a painting of Le Le. The memento is open from December 13 to 17, 2023, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

So, what are you waiting for? Come by River Wonders soon to show your support for the lovable, soon-to-move-out bear!

Le Le in front of his decorative Singapore Airlines boarding pass, on his farewell event on Wednesday.