XING Xing and Liang Liang, the two 16-year-old giant pandas at Zoo Negara on loan from China, should not stay here for too long after their contract ends in 2024 due to possible old age issues, the zoo’s management has suggested.

Zoo Negara deputy president Rosly @ Rahmat Amat Lana said their time here could be extended for another three years, or five years at the most, after 2024 when they reach 18 years of age.

“We would suggest that three years is a good extension period because pandas can only live up to 28 to 30 years. – January 15, 2022.