Bettison said that with the return of the flights and the arrival of the pandas, the connection between the state and China is stronger than ever.

　　“Our relationship with China is incredibly important. That direct aviation link, reinstated after COVID, is a big game-changer for us,“ she said at the zoo.

　　In 2009, two pandas, Wangwang and Funi, began their stay at Adelaide Zoo. As the only giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere, they drew more than 5 million visitors in 15 years until this November when they returned to China.

　　Building on the success of past cooperation, the new partnership will further advance collaboration in areas such as breeding research, disease prevention, public education and cultural exchange. This initiative aims to strengthen research efforts and foster closer people-to-people ties between China and Australia.

　　“This is such an exciting new chapter for giant pandas in Australia, and we look forward to learning all about Yilan and Xingqiu's personalities, likes and dislikes,“ Director of Adelaide Zoo Phil Ainsley said in a statement issued on Sunday.

　　“So we can't wait to see what is in store during this new giant panda era and for the next generation of South Australians to grow up with Yilan and Xingqiu, hopefully sparking a love for their species and conservation into the future.“