Xiang Lu (香芦/Xianglu) is no ordinary panda – he’s got a commanding presence that sets him apart from the crowd. With a gaze that seems to say, “hand over the snacks,” his boss-like attitude makes him unforgettable. From unexpected twists of fate that changed his life’s course to his early struggles with romance, this panda’s journey is anything but typical. His story is filled with surprises, and if you’re ready to dive into his world, you’ll find it’s anything but dull.
Basic Information
- Name: Xiang Lu (香芦)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: July 23, 2009
- Place of Birth: Ya’an Bifengxia Base, China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center
- Pedigree Number: 747
- Mother: You You (优优)
- Father: Lu Lu (芦芦)
- Siblings: Qian Qian (芊芊), Duo Duo (朵朵), Xin Ni’er (新妮儿), Bing Hua (冰华), Zhi Chun (知春), Yue Yue (月月), Ban Ban (半半), Ya Nan (雅男)
Intriguing Details of Panda Xiang Lu
Boss-like Attitude: Many young giant pandas try to charm their keepers for snacks with cute tactics, such as clinging to their legs or making adorable sounds. But Xiang Lu isn’t like that. He sits with great seriousness, locking his gaze onto the keeper as if saying, “Hand over the snacks, and I might spare your life.”
A Twist of Fate: In 2010, the panda originally chosen to go to Guangzhou Chimlong for the Asian Games was Jin Ke. However, despite all the preparations, the one-year-old Jin Ke absolutely refused to enter the cage. Even apples and carrots, his usual favorites, no longer enticed him. Even when the keepers forced him into the cage, he immediately ran out as soon as they let go. In the end, the responsibility fell on Xiang Lu, Jin Ke’s half-brother, to take his place.
Failed Romance: At eight years old, Xiang Lu participated in his first breeding program. However, after visiting several female pandas’ enclosures, none of them were interested in him, and he was reluctantly withdrawn from the program. It is said that Xiang Lu was deeply affected by this rejection and spent several days hiding in the back mountains, crying alone. However, at the age of ten, he finally found true love and became a father.
Life Experience of Panda Xiang Lu
Birth and Early Years: Xiang Lu was born at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. On October 27, 2010, Xiang Lu was sent to the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou for a cooperative exchange, marking his first departure from his birthplace.
Relocations: Xiang Lu’s later life has been marked by several moves between different panda facilities. In 2015, he first moved to the Dujiangyan Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center on February 13, followed by a relocation to the Wolong Shenshuping Base (China Giant Panda Garden) on April 9. Just weeks later, on April 27, he was sent to the Emei Xianzhizhujian Ecological Park Panda Pavilion for another exchange. In 2017, on January 10, Xiang Lu moved back to his birthplace at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base. His most recent move occurred in 2018, when he relocated once again to the Wolong Shenshuping Base.
