their exhibit after a period of quarantine, ordered by minister Penny Wong. They also joined Earth Hour as "official ambassadors". Zoos SA borrowed $6.7 million to fund the pandas, while a lack of sponsors adding to the debt. The state government invested $18.9 million for the new entrance and fence, and the zoo paid $8 million dollars for the new exhibit from sponsors, donors and loans. After Wang Wang and Fu Ni's arrival, Adelaide Zoo's visitors grew 70% and membership to Zoos SA has grown 25%. However, after initial expectations that the pandas would contribute $600 million to the South Australian economy over a decade, visitor numbers returned to the same levels before their arrival by 2010. Life at Adelaide and breeding attempts (2010–2024) In late 2011, they were introduced together for the first time after previously being separated by wire mesh. When she begins her oestrus cycle, Fu Ni climbs her tree in the enclosure. She has experienced several pseudo pregnancies, which is difficult to distinguish from actual pregnancies as her blood tests, chemical signals and behavior all indicate she is pregnant. She underwent one in early 2017. Giant pandas have a short annual window to breed, often around 2472 hours. In 2019, Prime Minister Scott Morrison criticized Labor's pledge to fund Wang Wang and Fu Ni for five more years, saying that Queensland floods should be more of a priority. On 24 November 2019, the Government of South Australia signed a new agreement with China to fund the pandas for five more years, after the initial ten-year deal had expired and the pandas were set to return to China. There have been five previous unsuccessful attempts to get the pair to mate. There have also been four or more attempts to artificially inseminate Fu Ni, including three procedures in 2017 and another planned in late 2022. Adelaide Zoo confirmed that Fu Ni had undergone either a "pseudopregnancy or a loss" in February 2023. Due to the pandas' continued failure to breed, it is possible the zoo might seek out a new pair of pandas after the new contract expires in November 2024. Exhibit Wang Wang and Fu Ni's exhibit is called the Bamboo Forest. It is also home to two red pandas, Ravi and Mishry, and Manu, a blue and gold macaw. Dr. Phil Ainsley is the head of the team of panda handlers at Adelaide Zoo. References