In the heart of Macao’s Seac Pai Van Park, a giant panda family has captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike, serving as a living symbol of happiness and unity between Macao and mainland China.
Affectionately known as the “happy family,” the quartet consists of male panda Kai Kai, female panda Xin Xin, and their twin cubs Jian Jian and Kang Kang. Kai Kai and Xin Xin, whose names together mean “happy” in Chinese, arrived from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, in April 2015 as a gift from the central government.
“The pandas have adapted well here,” said Mok Weng Han, a dedicated panda breeder. “We communicate with them in Cantonese, sprinkle in some English during training, and even use a bit of the Chengdu dialect.”
In June 2016, Xin Xin gave birth to the twin cubs, whose names, Jian Jian and Kang Kang, combine to mean “healthy.” The names were chosen from over 1,700 suggestions by Macao residents, reflecting the community’s deep connection with the panda family.
To ensure their well-being, a collaboration was established between the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. “Every moment of their growth is unforgettable—their first time opening their eyes, turning over, crawling, and growing teeth,” Mok shared. “This experience is invaluable for panda conservation and represents a joint effort supported by our country.”
As Macao prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of its return to China, crowds have been flocking to the park to visit the beloved pandas. Primary school students eagerly greet the family every Saturday, enchanted by their playful antics.
“Since Macao’s return 25 years ago, we’ve seen our society become more prosperous and livable,” said Mok. “I hope that, just like our pandas’ names, everyone in Macao will be happy and healthy.”
Reference(s):
Panda family in Macao serves as emotional bond between SAR, mainland
cgtn.com
