Meet Mai Mai (迈迈), a charming and gentle giant panda who has won the hearts of many with his playful demeanor and endearing personality. Born on May 31, 2017, at the Hetaoping Wild Training Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Mai Mai has grown into a beloved resident of the Bamboo Sea Wildlife Park in Luanchuan, Henan. His journey from birth to becoming an ambassador for panda conservation is a story of growth, adaptation, and joy.
Basic Information
- Name: Mai Mai (迈迈)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: May 31, 2017
- Birthplace: Hetaoping Wild Training Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
- Lineage Number: 1063
Family Background
- Mother: Long Xin (龙欣)
- Siblings: Mai Mai is part of a large panda family, including his twin sister Ran Ran (冉冉), and siblings Xi Wang (希望), Fu Ni (福妮), Fu Wa (福娃), Shui Ling (水灵), Qing Feng (清风), You You (佑佑), Han Yuan (汉媛), Hu Xiao (虎啸), Xin Yuan (新媛), Yuan Xin (园欣), and his younger brother Xing Lu (兴路).
Growth and Milestones
- Birth and Naming: Mai Mai was born on May 31, 2017, at the Hetaoping Wild Training Base. He was adopted by Sinochem Agriculture and named Mai Mai, also serving as the mascot for the “Panda Guide.”
- Relocation and Loan: On October 25, 2018, Mai Mai was relocated to the Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong.
- Public Exhibition: On September 22, 2020, Mai Mai, along with another panda, Ling Yan, was loaned to the Bamboo Sea Wildlife Park in Luanchuan, Henan, where they made their public debut. In a naming contest held at the park, Mai Mai earned the affectionate nickname “Chao Chao.”
- 5th Birthday Celebration: On May 31, 2022, Mai Mai celebrated his 5th birthday in Henan. Known for his dislike of heat, the zoo prepared a special five-tiered ice fruit cake for him, with each layer containing a variety of fruits. At the time of his arrival at the zoo, Mai Mai weighed 47 kg (104 lbs), and by his 5th birthday, he had grown to 110 kg (243 lbs). His daily diet includes bamboo shoots, bamboo leaves, steamed corn bread, apples, and carrots, with apples being his favorite fruit.
Diet and Behavior
- Diet: Mai Mai primarily eats bamboo, supplemented with apples, carrots, and other foods. According to his keepers, Mai Mai has a substantial appetite, consuming over 30 kg (66 lbs) of food daily.
- Behavior: Mai Mai is known for his gentle nature and enjoys interacting with visitors at the park. In the wild, giant pandas spend roughly half their day eating and the other half resting. However, in the zoo, with a regular feeding schedule provided by the keepers, Mai Mai enjoys more rest time.
