In a surprising turn of events, giant pandas Suhail and Thuraya have found themselves settling comfortably in Qatar, despite the scorching heat. This unexpected development is thanks in part to the care provided by Cissy Kou Wing-sze, a Hongkonger who brought her skills and experience from Ocean Park to the Gulf country. Cissy, who became the curator at Qatar Panda House in 2022, now oversees the well-being of the bears, also known as Jing Jing and Si Hai. It was recently discovered that Si Hai is actually the great-granddaughter of Ocean Park’s late panda Jia Jia, a revelation that brought tears to Cissy’s eyes.
The 48-year-old curator shared her emotional experience after meeting Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who led a delegation to Qatar and Kuwait to strengthen business ties. Suhail and Thuraya, now six and five years old respectively (equivalent to 18 and 15 human years), were born in the Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan province. They were gifted to Qatar by China in October 2022 to commemorate the hosting of the Fifa World Cup, making them the first pandas in the Middle East. The presence of these beloved bears has undoubtedly brought joy and excitement to the region.
Not really sure why this matters, but the bond between Cissy and the pandas seems to transcend borders and generations. Maybe it’s just me, but the fact that Si Hai is a descendant of Jia Jia adds an extra layer of significance to their presence in Qatar. The efforts of individuals like Cissy in caring for these animals highlight the importance of conservation and cross-cultural exchange. It’s heartwarming to see these majestic creatures find a home away from home in the desert landscape of Qatar. The journey of Suhail and Thuraya from Sichuan to the Gulf country is a testament to the power of international cooperation in preserving endangered species and promoting biodiversity.
