There’s something special about Mei Huan (美奂/Meihuan) – more than just her striking black-and-white coat or her playful antics. She’s a panda with a story, one that stretches across continents, from her birthplace in Atlanta to her return to China. Born alongside her twin sister, Mei Lun, she captivated hearts with her boundless energy and fearless nature. But what truly makes Mei Huan remarkable? Let’s dive into the life of this bold, adventurous, and utterly charming panda.
Basic Information
- Name: Mei Huan (美奂)
- Meaning of the Name: Stunningly Beautiful
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: July 15, 2013
- Place of Birth: Atlanta Zoo, United States
- Genealogy Number: 871
- Father: Yang Yang (洋洋)
- Mother: Lun Lun (伦伦)
- Twin Sister: Mei Lun (美轮)
- Other Siblings: Mei Lan (美兰), A Bao (阿宝), Ya Lun (雅伦), Xi Lun (喜伦)
Intriguing Details of Panda Mei Huan
Energetic and Playful: Mei Huan is known for her energetic and playful nature. Unlike her more reserved sister Mei Lun, Mei Huan is highly active and enjoys activities such as rolling, climbing, and standing on her hind legs. Her first appearance in China was marked by her bold personality, which contrasted sharply with Mei Lun’s more shy demeanor.
Strong Adaptability: Although Mei Huan was born and raised in the United States, she adjusted remarkably well to life in China. One of the most notable aspects of her adaptation was her change in diet. While she initially had a preference for American-style treats, she soon embraced her new home’s food offerings. Mei Huan particularly enjoys local foods such as “wo wo tou” (a type of Chinese steamed bun) and apples.
Understanding English Commands: Having spent several years in the United States, Mei Huan was exposed to English commands during her early life. As a result, she learned to respond to some basic English phrases, such as “Come here.” However, as she spent more time in China, she gradually became familiar with the Sichuan dialect. Caretakers at the Chengdu base have reported that she is now able to understand basic commands in the local language, further demonstrating her adaptability and intelligence.
Life Experience of Panda Mei Huan
Birth and Naming: Mei Huan was born on July 15, 2013, at the Atlanta Zoo. Initially, she was thought to be a male, but DNA testing later revealed her to be female. She, along with her twin sister Mei Lun, celebrated their 100th day of life on October 23, 2013. During this time, a global naming event took place, with the names “Mei Lun” and “Mei Huan” being chosen by both American and Chinese audiences. The names were selected to reflect their beauty and the joy they brought to people across the world. However, on December 13, 2013, the initial gender assessment was corrected, and Mei Huan was officially recognized as a female panda.
Early Life: Mei Huan spent her early years in Atlanta, where she and her sister Mei Lun became the stars of the zoo. The two were inseparable and became one of the most popular attractions at the zoo. Their playful interactions and charming personalities drew large crowds of visitors who came to admire the two pandas.
Returning to China: On November 5, 2016, Mei Huan and her sister Mei Lun returned to their homeland, arriving at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. After their return, they underwent a quarantine period during which they adapted to the new environment and local food. During this time, they were closely monitored by staff to ensure they were adjusting well. The two pandas were in excellent health and quickly acclimatized to life back in China. Caretakers at the Chengdu base reported that both pandas thrived in their new home.
