Adult giant pandas Aoyun and Yunyun arrive in Shennongjia, Hubei province on October 24,2016. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

On Oct. 24, adult giant pandas Aoyun and Yunyun arrived in Shennongjia, Hubei province, marking the first time giant pandas have resided in Shennongjia in more than a century.

That morning, escorted by researchers from a Shennongjia Nature Reserve and China’s Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas, Aoyun and Yunyun left Chengdu by air, arriving at their new residence by evening. The pandas were in good health and boasted stable moods at their time of arrival. Born in 2008, Aoyun and Yunyun are in their physical prime.

A researcher from the nature reserve explained that Aoyun and Yunyun still need some time to get accustomed to their new environment after the long trip. Researchers will look after them carefully to help them adapt. They are expected to available for public viewing after a period of segregation and quarantine.

The newly built panda residence occupies over 7,000 square meters. Its supporting facilities and surrounding natural environment ensure the pandas’ comfort and security, as well as fulfilling the requirements for public showings and scientific research.

Historical records show that Shennongjia used to be a paradise for giant pandas. However, the animals gradually disappeared from the area due to human activities and a changing climate.

In September, experts pointed out that Shennongjia shared a similar ecological character to Wolong Nature Reserve in Sichuan province. Additionally, Shennongjia has a solid track record in the conservation and protection of golden monkeys, which are considered another national treasure of China.

The biological diversity of Shennongjia, a UNESCO world heritage site, is acknowledged all over the world.