02:34Mandatory credit: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Two giant pandas were seen munching on bamboo and playing in their enclosure in China ahead of their flight to Spain, as seen in footage filmed in Chengdu on Sunday.
Footage shows Jin Xi and Zhu Yu clearly enjoying their pre-flight snacks. They arrived at Madrid Zoo on Monday, for a 10-year residency agreed between the Chinese and Spanish governments.
The two replace Hua Zui Ba and Bing Xing, who had lived in Madrid since 2007, and returned to China in February.
So-called 'panda diplomacy' is conducted between China and countries around the globe, with the animals loaned out to build ties and aid conservation and breeding programmes.
Final call for two giant pandas! Jin Xi and Zhu Yu munch bamboo ahead of long-haul flight to Spain
Two giant pandas were seen munching on bamboo and playing in their enclosure in China ahead of their flight to Spain, as seen in footage filmed in Chengdu on Sunday.
Footage shows Jin Xi and Zhu Yu clearly enjoying their pre-flight snacks. They arrived at Madrid Zoo on Monday, for a 10-year residency agreed between the Chinese and Spanish governments.
The two replace Hua Zui Ba and Bing Xing, who had lived in Madrid since 2007, and returned to China in February.
So-called 'panda diplomacy' is conducted between China and countries around the globe, with the animals loaned out to build ties and aid conservation and breeding programmes.
Mandatory credit: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Two giant pandas were seen munching on bamboo and playing in their enclosure in China ahead of their flight to Spain, as seen in footage filmed in Chengdu on Sunday.
Footage shows Jin Xi and Zhu Yu clearly enjoying their pre-flight snacks. They arrived at Madrid Zoo on Monday, for a 10-year residency agreed between the Chinese and Spanish governments.
The two replace Hua Zui Ba and Bing Xing, who had lived in Madrid since 2007, and returned to China in February.
So-called 'panda diplomacy' is conducted between China and countries around the globe, with the animals loaned out to build ties and aid conservation and breeding programmes.