Invitation to comment
The Minister for the Environment and Water is considering granting a permit to Adelaide Zoo, South Australia to re-export two Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) to China under the exceptional circumstances provision (section 303GB) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act).
Wang Wang and Funi, a male and female panda pair, were bred in captivity at the Wolong Centre in China. They have been on loan to Adelaide Zoo for 15 years under a private agreement. With this agreement ending in November 2024, the pandas are required to return to China.
The pandas will be transported from Adelaide Zoo and flown to China, under the close supervision of experienced zoological staff. Departmental officers have assessed the panda receiving facility in China and confirmed that it is suitable to house and care for the specimens, meeting all their behavioural and biological needs.
Giant pandas are native to China (Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu) and are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. They are also listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which imposes very strict conditions on this trade.
This application does not meet the requirements of section 303CG of the EPBC Act, as it does not qualify for any of the eligible non-commercial purposes. However, the application is being considered under exceptional circumstances due to the conditions of the loan agreement.
The permit can only be issued if exceptional circumstances exist, the re-export is consistent with the objectives of Part 13A of the EPBC Act, the re-export will not negatively impact biodiversity, and the permit issuance complies with CITES.
If the permit is granted, conditions will be imposed to ensure that the transport of the animals adheres to the CITES guidelines for transport and preparation of live wild animals and plants and the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) Live Animals Regulations.
Any written comments will be considered by the Minister in making a decision.
How can I get involved?
You are invited to comment on this application before COB Wednesday 9 October 2024.
Send your comments
Comments can be sent by email or writing to:
Email: wta@dcceew.gov.au
Mail:
The Director
Wildlife Trade Assessments
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
GPO BOX 3090
Canberra ACT 2601
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