(Photo/CGTN)
In less than a month, Cai Tao and Hu Chun have captured the hearts of millions across Indonesia.
The two giant panda bears' sanctuary is now officially open to the public in Taman Safari Indonesia in Bogor, West Java. The event was officiated by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong, who is currently in Indonesia for a four-day visit.
Cai Tao and Hu Chun were a gift from China, as part of the country's Panda Diplomacy program. The initiative has been around since the 1950s, with the aim of boosting bilateral and cultural cooperation between China and the countries involved.
"I hope with this conservation program we can see a positive progress and outcome in economic, social and cultural areas and in strengthening the ecosystems of China and Indonesia," said Liu Yandong.
This time around, the pair of panda bears are loaned to Indonesia. For the next 10 years, they will be taken care of in a special enclosure in the Safari park.
The black and white ambassadors live in a luxurious quarter, located 1,700 meters above sea level. The entire sanctuary took around two years to become a reality and cost around 4.5 million U.S. dollars to build. The enclosure consists of indoor and outdoor play areas, a comfortable sleeping area and an elevator.
One of the most important features in their enclosure is the ability to change temperatures to mimic the pandas' natural living conditions in China. The temperature is maintained at a cool 17 degrees Celsius during the night and a balmy 24 degrees Celsius during the day. The Safari has also prepared ready-to-harvest bamboo trees on 10 hectares of land, making it easier for the panda bears to have their snacks ready anytime.
"What makes our enclosure unique compared to other countries' is the location. It is located high up in the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery. The facilities we provide to the pandas are also exceptional. We have a special 10-hectare land to harvest their snack, the bamboo trees. We really believe we have built the best enclosure in Asia for the panda bears," said Jansen Manansang, Director of Taman Safari Indonesia.
Pandas are seen as a national treasure in China, a messenger of friendship and a symbol of peace. A message that China and Indonesia hope to further develop a stronger bilateral relationship between the two countries.
