Staff at the center prepared buns, bamboo sprouts, carrots and baby formula for the pandas in the journey. Caretaker Wang Pingfeng and veterinarian He Ming are on board with the pandas to Russia.

"My job is to keep them calm in case of any stress symptoms. We will make sure they are accustomed to their new life in Moscow," said Wang.

"Ru Yi is outgoing and vivacious, but Ding Ding is quiet. We have carried out quarantine and health checks for them. They are in good shape," said He Ming.