Imagine a panda with a taste for American cookies, a knack for languages, and a playful stubbornness when it comes to nap time – that’s Mei Lun (美轮/Meilun) for you! Born in Atlanta and later returning to China, this black-and-white wonder has charmed the world with her quirks and adventures. From sibling antics to motherhood, her journey is as delightful as it is unique. Ready to dive into the world of Mei Lun?
Basic Information
- Name: Mei Lun (美轮)
- Meaning of the Name: Exquisite and Magnificent
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: July 15, 2013
- Place of Birth: Atlanta Zoo, USA
- Pedigree Number: 870
- Father: Yang Yang (洋洋)
- Mother: Lun Lun (伦伦)
- Twin Sister: Mei Huan (美奂)
- Other Siblings: Mei Lan (美兰), A Bao (阿宝), Ya Lun (雅伦), Xi Lun (喜伦)
Intriguing Details of Panda Mei Lun
Love for American Cookies: After returning to China, Mei Lun still preferred the American cookies she was given in the Atlanta Zoo, rather than traditional Chinese foods like corn buns (wo tou). However, over time, she finally adjusted to the local cuisine.
Afternoon Nap Battle: Mei Lun’s playful nature often led to amusing situations, as seen during her early days in Atlanta. One memorable moment occurred when her twin sister, Mei Huan, tried to wake Mei Lun from her afternoon nap. Mei Lun, not wanting to be disturbed, rolled into a corner, curling up with her head buried under her blanket, as if hoping that Mei Huan would give up. This cute and funny interaction was recorded by the zookeepers and later went viral on the internet, earning Mei Lun even more fans worldwide.
Language Genius: Since Mei Lun grew up in the United States, her keepers communicated with her in English. As a result, when she first returned to Sichuan, she faced a language barrier and often looked at her new keepers with a confused expression. However, perhaps due to her exceptional talent, she mastered Sichuanese in less than two months and became increasingly cooperative with her keepers during feeding and check-ups.
Life Experience of Panda Mei Lun
Birth and Naming: Mei Lun was born on July 15, 2013, at the Atlanta Zoo. Initially, she was thought to be male, but DNA testing later revealed she was female. On October 23, the same year, she celebrated her 100th day with another panda cub from the zoo. Through a global voting campaign, Mei Lun and her twin sister, Mei Huan, were officially named. The names were selected by people from both China and the United States, symbolizing the bond between the two countries through these beloved pandas.
Childhood: Mei Lun spent her childhood at the Atlanta Zoo, where she and her sister Mei Huan quickly became stars. The two pandas were often seen playing together, delighting zoo visitors and attracting large crowds.
Return to China: On November 5, 2016, Mei Lun and Mei Huan returned to their homeland, China, moving to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. Upon arrival, they went through the required quarantine process before adapting to the local environment and food. Over time, they settled into their new home in Sichuan, starting a fresh chapter of their lives.
Becoming a Learning Partner: On August 16, 2018, the online English learning platform VIPKID officially adopted Mei Lun as their “panda ambassador.” The adoption was part of VIPKID’s initiative to present Mei Lun as a “cute learning partner” to children around the world.
Becoming A Mother: In 2021, Mei Lun gave birth to a cub, Lun Hui (轮辉). In 2023, she gave birth again to a pair of twins, named Lun Wen (轮文) and Lun Wu (轮武, also known as Xiao Aobai). However, for some unknown reason (rumored to be Mei Lun not producing milk), these cubs were not raised by Mei Lun herself. Lun Hui and Lun Wu were lovingly cared for by their foster mother, Zhao Mei (昭美), while Lun Wen was taken care of by his foster mother, Ya Yun (娅韵).
