Madrid Zoo history and culture has been tightly related to China and to Giant Pandas since arrival of Shao Shao and Chang Chang in September the 4 th 1982. Soon after, Chu Ling was born becoming one of the first baby Giant Panda born outside China .

　　The Chengdu Panda Base was founded in 1987 starting what it was going to be later an enormous success in the captive breeding program of this highly endangered species and by that time, Spanish people were delighted learning and observing our three giant pandas kept at Madrid Zoo.

　　After 10 years of willingness and hard work focused in conservation, education and research, Giant Pandas came back to Spain . Bing Xing and Hua Zui Ba arrived from Chengdu last September the 8 th and with them a new era started for our Zoo. They came from this prestigious Center that represents the effort, China 's government is dedicating into ex situ and in situ Conservation: The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

　　We deeply appreciate this opportunity you offered us through Bing Xin and Hua Zui Ba and we really wish that this is the beginning of long term collaboration within our two countries – China and Spain - and our two Institutions - the Panda Base and Madrid Zoo. Together we can reach and educate more people; we can obtain a better understanding of the panda habitat and we might promote the conservation of many endangered species living there, like red pandas, golden monkeys, the Chinese salamander, the takin or the Giant Panda among others.

　　As we expressed when leaving the Base last September, we hope that Bing Xing and Hua Zui Ba will serve as ambassadors of Spain 's contribution to the conservation of the fabulous giant panda and its habitat in China . We are greatly satisfied with the confidence you have deposited on our institution by letting HUA ZUI BA and BING XING be a part of us. It is an honour indeed for the Spanish people to have these Madrile?os among us!

　　On behalf of Zoo Aquarium de Madrid ( Spain ), we would like to extend our warmest greetings and congratulations on your 20th anniversary.

 

 

Dr. Jesús Fernández Morán

General Animal Manager

Zoo Aquarium de Madrid / Parques Reunidos