Giant announcement as Adelaide’s new pandas, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu announced

Adelaide Zoo has announced the names of the two new giant pandas, who will replace Wang Wang and Fu Ni after they return to China later this year.

Adelaide Zoo has announced the names of the two new giant pandas, who will replace Wang Wang and Fu Ni after they return to China later this year.

On Saturday, Zoos SA revealed female panda Yi Lan and male panda Xing Qiu would be the zoo’s newest pair.

Both pandas are from the Chinese city of Chengdu and are currently three years old, with Xing Qiu turning four just before his arrival.

Xing Qiu has been described as a “handsome” panda whose name plays homage to the starry autumn night he was born on with Xing Qiu meaning “star Autumn”.

His “playful” pal’s name, Yi Lan means “idly blissful” which is hopefully how she will find her new South Australian home.

Panda Yi Lan will be one of Adelaide Zoo’s newest pandas. Picture: Supplied.

She swill be paired with Xing Qiu Picture: Supplied.

Zoos SA chief executive Elaine Bensted said “careful consideration” had been put into choosing the pandas with the main focus being on finding the “best fit” for Adelaide Zoo.

“After … many online discussions, Xing Qiu and Yi Lan were chosen as the pair that will make the journey to Australia,” she said.

“It is an honour to be entrusted with the care of such a beautiful species.”

With the Zoos contract to host the pandas coming to an end in November, the public can expect to see the new pair on display soon after their departure.

“That’s the timeline that we’re working towards but all of that will be dictated by those regulatory processes,” Ms Bensted said.

“Then there will be a little bit of a gap as we undertake a little bit of maintenance while the bamboo forest is empty and then our two new pandas will arrive in Adelaide.”

Wang Wang having a cold bath at The Adelaide Zoo as plans for two new Pandas are announced. Picture: Brett Hartwig

While there is no locked in date for the panda pals arrival, Ms Bensted said the zoo is “thrilled” to be welcoming the new duo.

“We cannot wait to meet them and also let the public of South Australia meet them,” she said.

It is hoped that the pair will have more chemistry than Wang Wang and Fu Ni, who famously failed to produce a cub after multiple breeding attempts during their more than a decade in Adelaide.

“We are hopeful that we will continue our efforts to breed a giant panda cub here at Adelaide zoo,” Ms Bensted said.

“Every single year that we have been involved with the breeding, we have learnt … I think that learning will continue and hopefully lead to success.”

The panda contract has been signed for ten years and is valued at $1 million USD, with state and Commonwealth still “in discussion” about how this will be funded.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the pandas had been a “major drawcard for the state”.

“We are excited to welcome Xing Qiu and Yi Lan, who will continue to delight locals and visitors from across the world for many years to come.”

Wang Wang cooling off in the cold bath at The Adelaide Zoo. Picture: Brett Hartwig

It was Joanne Ackerman and her family’s first trip to Adelaide Zoo after migrating to South Australia from South Africa seven months ago.

Ms Ackerman, her husband and their young child were overwhelmed by the panda-monium at the zoo and commented on the beauty of the Zoo facilities.

“We’ve never ever seen pandas so it’s really unique and really lovely to see them,” Ms Ackerman said.

Ms Ackerman said their family would “definitely” be back to see the new panda pair once they touch down in Adelaide.

Wang Wang enjoying bath time. Picture: Brett Hartwig

“And hopefully there are some babies,” she said.

Their trio, along with hundreds of other families ascended on the zoo for the annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic which aligns with the celebration of Wang Wang and Fu Ni’s birthdays which both take place in August.

This year was extra special as it marked the pairs last birthday on Australian soil.

Visitors packed the bamboo forest to get a glimpse of Wang Wang enjoying a bubble bath and munching on enrichment treats.

Despite it being her 18th birthday, Fu Ni was not in the mood for partying and instead opted for a more relaxed day in the cool of her indoor enclosure.

The Zoo is set to give the pandas a beary special send off with multiple events planned over the coming months before South Australia waves goodbye to Wang Wang and Fu Ni for the last time.