Imagine a panda with the soul of a philosopher, a bear who strolls rather than scurries, who savors his meals as if each bite tells a story. That’s Xi Lan (喜兰/Xilan) – a panda with an old soul and a heart full of quiet wisdom. Born in Atlanta but destined for China, his journey is one of adaptation, charm, and a touch of mischief. If you think pandas are just fluffy bundles of cuteness, Xi Lan will prove they’re so much more.
Basic Information
- Name: Xi Lan (喜兰)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 30, 2008, at 10:11 AM
- Place of Birth: Atlanta Zoo, USA
- Pedigree Number: 731
- Father: Yang Yang (洋洋)
- Mother: Lun Lun (伦伦)
- Siblings: Mei Lan (美兰), A Bao (阿宝), Mei Lun (美轮), Mei Huan (美奂), Ya Lun (雅伦), Xi Lun (喜伦)
Intriguing Details of Panda Xi Lan
As an adult, Xi Lan has a laid-back, serene personality. He is content with whatever comes his way, whether things go as planned or not. He approaches life with patience, enjoying his meals slowly and savoring each bite. When walking, he takes his time, strolling leisurely. On quiet days, Xi Lan likes to wander around, sitting on his platform to contemplate life, or simply resting with his eyes closed, taking a peaceful nap. If the bamboo provided by his caretakers doesn’t suit his taste, Xi Lan calmly opts to chew on tree branches or small plants, never showing any signs of frustration or destructive behavior.
Life Experience of Panda Xi Lan
Birth and Naming: Xi Lan was born at the Atlanta Zoo on August 30, 2008. He is the second cub of Lun Lun and Yang Yang, two beloved pandas from the zoo, and a member of the “Bai De Yao Si” family (the name meaning “so white it could kill” due to the exceptionally bright fur of its members). On December 8, after celebrating his 100th day, Xi Lan was officially named through a global naming campaign, and his name “Xi Lan” means “Joy of Atlanta,” symbolizing the happiness he brought to the city.
Childhood: As a cub, Xi Lan was lively, playful, and mischievous. He had a tendency to irritate his mother, Lun Lun, especially when she was eating bamboo. One day, he repeatedly disturbed her, prompting her to respond by tossing him over her shoulder into a pile of bamboo. This humorous incident went viral on the internet, making Xi Lan a famous “internet panda.”
Return to China: On May 15, 2014, Xi Lan returned to China alongside his sister A Bao, moving to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center (Chengdu Base). He was the 12th panda to return to China as part of the “Giant Panda International Scientific Research and Breeding Cooperation Program,” which had been active for nearly 20 years. Initially, Xi Lan struggled with unfamiliar bamboo shoots offered by his caretakers, leading him to eat grass instead and earning him the affectionate nickname “King of Misfortune of the Year” by netizens.
Adaptation and Growth: At the Chengdu Base, Xi Lan gradually adjusted to his new life in Sichuan. By the time he celebrated his ninth birthday, he had completely acclimated to his new surroundings and had become one of the most beloved pandas at the base, often referred to as “the most handsome bear in the base.” With his charming appearance, characterized by a distinct black-and-white coat and a soft, refined expression, Xi Lan became known for his melancholic, yet dignified aura, often being called “Second Master Bai Zi Hua” (referring to a character in Chinese literature known for his elegant, poetic nature).
