Taipei: The exchange of a pair of African penguins from the Taipei Zoo for a pair of red pandas from the Shanghai Zoo will be finalized in the first half of 2026, an official announced Thursday.

According to Focus Taiwan, the pandas are awaiting the second of two rabies vaccination jabs before their relocation to Taiwan, as stated by Taipei Zoo Director Ju Shiau-fen to the Taipei City Council. Meanwhile, Taipei’s penguins are pending confirmation on which avian flu vaccine is approved by the Shanghai Zoo.

Once both parties complete quarantine procedures, the zoos will plan the exchange procedures for the beginning of next year, taking advantage of more favorable weather conditions for animal transport. This exchange follows a memorandum of understanding signed during the Taipei-Shanghai City Forum in December 2024.

Despite this year’s forum being postponed from its original September schedule, City Councilor Chen You-cheng from the Taiwan People’s Party expressed concern about potential disruptions to the exchange. Additionally, he advised caution in naming the red pandas to prevent any negative political sentiments. Director Ju assured that the zoo would handle the naming discussions appropriately.