Gong Zai (功仔), a male giant panda born on July 26, 2008, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, is more than just a beloved member of the panda community—he’s a real-life inspiration for a movie character. Known by various nicknames such as “Peace,” “Fatty,” “Ximen Chui Zai,” and “War God of the West,” Gong Zai’s charming and resilient personality made him the model for the iconic character “Po” in the animated film Kung Fu Panda 2. His unique life journey, from a pampered cub to a participant in wilderness training, has endeared him to panda fans worldwide.
Basic Information
- Name: Gong Zai (功仔)
- Nicknames: Peace (和平), Fatty (肥仔), Ximen Chui Zai (西门吹仔), War God of the West (西区战神)
- Gender: Male
- Studbook Number: 711
- Date of Birth: July 26, 2008
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Birth Weight: 117 grams
- Current Residence: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Villa No. 1)
Family Background
Mother: Cheng Gong (nicknamed “Cleanliness Princess”), born on September 11, 2000, currently residing at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Father: Xiao Ping Ping, a rescued wild panda, leading fans to also call Gong Zai “Peace.”
Siblings: Gong Zai has several siblings, including He Qi, He Mei, He Xing, He Sheng, He Feng, He Yu, He Hua, and He Ye.
Growth and Life Events
Early Childhood:
During his early years, Gong Zai was cared for by several “nannies,” thriving on the collective nurturing he received.
Since his mother Cheng Gong was a first-time mother and inexperienced in raising cubs, the staff entrusted Gong Zai to the care of the more experienced panda Qi Yuan.
Becoming a Movie Inspiration:
On October 21, 2008, DreamWorks Animation and the creative team behind Kung Fu Panda visited the Chengdu Research Base to seek inspiration. They were immediately captivated by the three-month-old Gong Zai, whose lively and adorable demeanor became the inspiration for the main character “Po” in Kung Fu Panda 2.
Wilderness Training:
On January 11, 2012, Gong Zai was selected as one of the first six pandas sent by the Chengdu Research Base to Dujiangyan Panda Valley for wilderness training, alongside Xing Rong, Xing Ya, Ying Ying, Zhi Zhi, and Qi Qi.
After two years of training in the wild, Gong Zai returned to the Chengdu Research Base at the end of 2014 to continue his life there.
Appearance and Personality
Appearance: Gong Zai has strong and slender limbs, with a nose that is longer than that of other pandas, giving him a tall and imposing look that many find very handsome.
Personality Traits: Gong Zai is calm, outgoing, and gentle, traits that mirror the character “Po” from the movie. He’s also known for his charm, making him popular among female pandas.
