Brugelette, Belgium - November 10, 2024 Large crowds gathered at Belgium's Pairi Daiza zoo on Sunday to say their final goodbyes to three beloved giant pandas born in the country ahead of their return to China next month. The three pandas—Tian Bao, Bao Di, and Bao Mei—are set to enter quarantine before returning to their homeland in December to begin their new lives at the Giant Panda Base in Bifengxia, southwest China's Sichuan Province. At the zoo, Belgian fans expressed their heartfelt farewells to the adorable bears. Tian Bao is the eldest of the siblings, born in 2016, while twins Bao Di and Bao Mei were born in 2019. The parents of the three pandas, Hao Hao and Xing Hui, will remain at the Belgian zoo. The panda loan agreement, signed in 2013, allowed the pair to stay in Belgium for 15 years. Under the terms, their offspring must be returned to China at the age of four to join breeding and conservation efforts. However, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed those plans. For both zookeepers and the public alike, the pandas will be sorely missed. However, for the sake of their long-term well-being and breeding prospects, returning to China is the best option. Now, preparations for the departure of these precious pandas are in the final stage. The zoo staff has taken all necessary measures to ensure they are in good condition for the flight to China. "Not getting an infection, not getting sick and not getting a cold. After that, they can get the health document and a pass to go on the plane," said Yang. Shotlist: Brugelette, Belgium - Nov 10, 2024: 1. Various of giant panda, caretaker at Pairi Daiza zoo; 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Visitor (name not given) (starting with shot 1): "For the kids, it's very important for them to see the pandas grow up, and we want to say goodbye."; 3. Various of giant panda eating bamboo; 4. SOUNDBITE (French) Visitor (name not given): "It's with great emotion for me to be here today and say goodbye to Tian Bao and his siblings. I am feeling very emotional."; 5. Various of giant pandas having meal; 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Yang Liu, panda caretaker: "Tian Bao is not just a little boy, he's a man. He needs to have another life. He needs to have a girlfriend and he needs a breeding family, so this is why we cannot keep Tian Bao."; 7. Giant panda; 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Yang Liu, panda caretaker: "Not getting an infection, not getting sick and not getting a cold. After that, they can get the health document and a pass to go on the plane."; 9. Visitors taking pictures of panda; 10. Various of farewell board for panda; child leaving messages for panda on farewell board. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland/Iran/Russia]