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Quarantine delays arrival of Pandas to Australian zoo
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-23 20:43

CANBERRA: The Adelaide Zoo in South Australia revealed on Wednesday that the arrival of two giant pandas on loan from China had been delayed by quarantine arrangements.

The pandas called Wang Wang and Funi were due to begin their quarantine period in Adelaide on October 17.

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However, a spokesperson for the Adelaide Zoo said the schedule had now changed with public holidays in China affecting quarantine timelines.

The arrival of the pandas was now expected about two weeks later than the original schedule.

The spokesperson said that international animal transfers were complex and technical delays were common.

Meanwhile, the zoo said construction of the new panda exhibit was on time and on budget with the opening planned for December 13.

Australian governor-general Quentin Bryce will open the new facility along with the Chinese ambassador to Australia, Zhang Junsai.