Three of the five Pairi Daiza pandas depart for China.

On December 10, 2024, Tian Bao, Bao Di, and Bao Mei, were transported from their habitat in Pairi Daiza through The Gallery of The Worlds, accompanied by 1500 fans who came for an early in the morning last goodbye, to two trucks to be transported to Brussels Airport. Their parents, Hao Hao and Xing Hui, will remain at Pairi Daiza.

2 December 2024

This image will be replaced by a picture taken on Demenber 10!

The departure of Tian Bao, Bao Di, and Bao Mei is an important part of our cooperation. Conservation efforts led by China, its partners like Pairi Daiza, and university programs for over 30 years are bearing fruit. Today, nearly 1,900 giant pandas live in the wild, compared to just 1,100 in the 1980s.

In 2013, Pairi Daiza partnered with the Chinese party and signed a 15-year international cooperation agreement on the conservation for Giant Pandas. Since 2014, they have touched the hearts of Belgium, blessing the country with the birth of three beautiful cubs: Tian Bao, born on June 2, 2016, followed by the twins Bao Di and Bao Mei, born on August 8, 2019.

An emotional farewell

Thousands of pandafans gathered at Pairi Daiza in the early morning light to bid a heartfelt goodbye to the three lovely pandas. Following strict biosecurity measures, they wore mouth masks and waved Belgian and Chinese flags, their emotions palpable in the cool morning mist.

Children clung tightly to plush panda toys, their eyes wide with sadness and marvel, while others silently wiped away tears. The gentle murmur of goodbyes and the occasional sob echoed through The Gallery of the Worlds as the pandas were carefully transported past the crowd. For many, this was more than a farewell to beloved animals—it was also a poignant moment to honor symbols of best wishes, hope, unity, and the joy they had brought into countless lives.

His Excellency Fei Shengchao, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Belgium and the minister president of Wallonia, Adrien Dolimont, and Pairi Daiza Founder and President each gave a short farewell speech. Others officials joined the crowds far the last goodbye.

Destination Sichuan

These three cubs born at Pairi Daiza will join their hometown - China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas. This research and breeding center for giant pandas is located in the province of Sichuan, China.

Tian Bao, Bao Di, and Bao Mei will first respect a quarantaine period in China for one month.

Hao Hao and Xing Hui in Pairi Daiza

Their parents, Hao Hao and Xing Hui, will remain at Pairi Daiza, continuing their role as ambassadors for the protection of this iconic species in Belgium. Their presence symbolizes the continuation of the exceptional partnership between Belgium and China in the preservation of giant pandas and the species that share their habitat.

The investments in the conservation, research and public education have contributed to the global knowledge about this species and their protection.

From 2019 to December 2024 Pairi Daiza has been one of the only locations outside of China where five pandas were visible to visitors. The fact that three pandas fly from outside of China to China, is exceptional.

Pairi Daiza and the Pairi Daiza Foundation thank all sponsors, godparents, and visitors for their unwavering support of this conservation project and for the love they have shown to Tian Bao, Bao Di, and Bao Mei over the years.