China will do its utmost to ensure giant panda Ya Ya returns home safe and sound

(ECNS) -- According to what we have learned from relevant government agency, the giant panda Ya Ya, who has been living at the Memphis Zoo in the US, will soon return to China as scheduled, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Wednesday.

The Chinese and US sides are actively making sound preparations and arrangements for the return of Ya Ya and have confirmed the transportation plan and flight route, put in place contingency measures and are doing our utmost to ensure that she will return home safe and sound, Mao said.

The Memphis Zoo has a relatively complete management system and operation procedures for giant pandas. During the giant pandas’ stay at the Memphis Zoo, they received good care from the zoo and great affection from the American people, she added. The collaborative research on the conservation of giant panda has made positive contributions to the conservation and public education concerning giant pandas as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. China stands ready to continue to work with cooperation partners including the US to play our part in protecting endangered species, the spokeswoman said.