MFA Press Statement: Call on President S R Nathan by His Excellency Hu Jintao, President Of The People's Republic Of China

PRC President Hu Jintao called on President S R Nathan on 11 November 2009. During the meeting, both leaders affirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations between Singapore and China, and expressed satisfaction over the strong economic, political and people-to-people ties between both countries. Both leaders noted that Singapore and China will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. In this regard, both leaders welcomed the agreement reached by both sides for Collaborative Conservation and Research of Giant Panda. Under the agreement, Singapore will receive a pair of Giant Pandas as part of a joint collaboration over a period of 10 years to promote Giant Panda conservation, raise public awareness of such conservation and implement a Giant Panda breeding research programme. The presence of Giant Pandas in Singapore would deeply capture the hearts of Singaporeans across all walks of life. They would also be a fitting symbol of the close friendship and strong ties between Singapore and China as we celebrate 20 years of diplomatic relations next year.

. . . . .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
11 NOVEMBER 2009

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) Press Release
Singapore, November 11, 2009 - Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), parent company of Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo will receive a pair of male and female Giant Pandas from China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) as part of a joint collaboration to promote giant panda conservation, raise public awareness of conservation and implement a giant panda breeding research programme. The pandas are symbolic of the close relationship between Singapore and China as the Republic celebrates the 20th Anniversary of friendly Sino-Singapore relations. This was announced by President Hu Jintao following a meeting with President S R Nathan earlier this evening.

The two pandas, which are scheduled to arrive in Singapore in the second half of 2011, will have a new home at the River Safari, the fourth and latest nature park by WRS. Preliminary work for River Safari has begun and construction is due to be completed by mid-2011. Visitors will be able to see the pandas when River Safari opens its doors in early 2012.
Both WRS and CWCA will ink their commitment to the conservation collaboration through an Agreement with the objective of knowledge exchange on reproductive science and education on wildlife in China.
The partnership will be sealed at a signing ceremony on November 12 in the presence of President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, signaling high-level support from both governments.
"We are pleased that the pandas mark the strong and continuing friendship between the two countries. The strong support from both our governments will give us great impetus to work with our Chinese counterpart in global nature and wildlife conservation, and to learn, adopt and implement best practices. This collaboration will also boost greater interest in the areas of conservation, especially for the giant pandas," said Ms Claire Chiang, WRS' Chairman.
To support this conservation effort, CapitaLand Limited, one of Asia's largest real estate companies with a strong presence in China for 15 years, has pledged a conservation donation to support the 10-year collaborative programme.

Mr Liew Mun Leong, President and CEO of CapitaLand Group, said: "Over the last 15 years, CapitaLand has actively participated in China's urbanisation. Today, we have an extensive presence with a portfolio worth over S$20 billion (on a when-completed basis) comprising about 100 projects spanning 40 cities across China. This conservation donation is yet another testament of CapitaLand's long-term commitment to China. This collaborative effort will raise cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries and further strengthen the strong relationship between Singapore and China."

Husbandry and Veterinary Care
"With WRS' Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre established since 2006, we have the necessary infrastructure in place - latest technology in veterinary equipment and animal management team with extensive field experience - to care for the giant pandas. Through close collaboration with the CWCA, we will be even better positioned to achieve our objectives of promoting giant panda conservation and raise public awareness of conservation. Along with all Singaporeans, we eagerly await the arrival of the pandas," said Ms Fanny Lai, WRS' Group CEO.

WRS has identified a team of zookeepers and veterinarians to look after the husbandry needs and veterinary care of the pandas. During the next two years, zookeepers will receive training on the husbandry, nutrition and housing of pandas. A researcher on the team will monitor as well as study the husbandry, nutrition, behaviour and reproduction of the pandas.
In addition, a team of panda experts from China will come to Singapore to provide training as well as expert guidance on creating the ideal environment for the pandas.
Caring for pandas is not new to WRS. In 1990 one of WRS' parks, Singapore Zoo, welcomed and cared for two giant pandas "An-An" and "Xin-Xing" for 100 days.

Exhibit, Housing and Conservation Education
In line with the needs of the pandas, their new home at the River Safari will be designed and constructed to meet the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) standards.
As a strong proponent of conservation education, WRS will be looking at enriching visitors' experience with panda conservation interpretives, educational programmes and behind-the-scenes experience on panda care.

River Safari
River Safari will be located along Mandai Lake Road, adjacent to Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. The new attraction will be Asia's first river-themed animal park comprising of boat rides, display of freshwater habitats and other highlights offering close-up multi-sensory experience for the young and old, with the aim to create greater awareness of freshwater habitat conservation. The development will be built with environmental sensitivity and minimal impact on the Mandai Nature Reserve area.

CONTACT: Ms Eileen Bakri / Mrs Elaine Lim
DURING OFFICE HOURS: 6534-5122 (Office)
AFTER OFFICE HOURS: 9781-0737 / 9751-2122 (Mobile)
EMAIL: eileen.bakri@citigatedrimage.com /
elaine.lim@citigatedrimage.com
November 11, 2009

WRS FACTSHEET - GIANT PANDAS
Introduction
Wildlife Reserves Singapore will be the custodian of a pair of Giant Pandas from China. Scheduled to arrive in Singapore in second half of 2011 the pair of male and female pandas, currently two years old and one year old respectively, mark two decades of friendly relations between Singapore and China and their collaboration to promote giant panda conservation through a joint collaborative research programme.

Habitat/ Exhibit
The two giant pandas will be housed at Wildlife Reserves Singapore's River Safari. The exhibit will be constructed according to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards. It will be fully air-conditioned and the humidity level kept low. The giant pandas will be housed in a 1600 m2 climate-controlled enclosure, off-exhibit holding area, exercise yard and cubbing den. The entire habitat will be air-conditioned with temperature set between 18 to 220C and humidity controlled at 50 to 60% all year round. The ambient conditions will be adjusted to simulate the four seasons similar to their natural habitat

Diet
The Giant Panda's diet consists mainly of bamboo, vegetables and special foliovore biscuits. It is estimated that a panda's daily intake is about 20kg of bamboo browse per day. In preparation of the pandas' arrival, Wildlife Reserves Singapore plans to cultivate six different bamboo species in its parks.

Conservation
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Giant Panda is endangered. The contraction of panda population is the result of logging and trees being removed to make way for farming. Conservation efforts include restoring panda habitats such as creating forest reserves and captive breeding programmes.

Husbandry
A team of four dedicated and experienced staff have been identified to care for the pandas. In addition, four staff from China's panda team will be in Singapore - two staff at a time for six months over the one year duration for the training and to see to the establishment of the ideal habitat for the pandas in their new home in Singapore. The pandas will be well cared for by an excellent team of veterinarians, zookeepers, and researchers in line with World Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards and recommendations.
November 11,