Chongqing Zoo Giant Panda “Lan Xiang” Hit by a Coke Bottle Thrown by a Visitor

“Visitors throw water bottles at giant panda” – recently, during a public viewing session at the Chongqing Zoo, giant panda “Lan Xiang” was startled when a visitor threw a Coke bottle at her. On January 6th, Cover News reported that after the incident, “Lan Xiang” showed no negative reactions and is still on display. The visitor responsible for the incident is currently being handled by the police.

Chongqing Zoo Giant Panda Hit by Coke Bottle, Netizens Call for Severe Punishment

A video shared by netizens shows that while “Lan Xiang” was leisurely eating bamboo during her public viewing session, a male visitor threw a Coke bottle at her. The bottle flew in quickly from a distance, striking the ground with a loud noise near “Lan Xiang.” The panda, who had been lying relaxed and eating, was startled and immediately sat upright.

The video quickly went viral and sparked widespread outrage among netizens, who overwhelmingly condemned the visitor’s uncivilized behavior. Comments included: “Such a person must be severely punished,” “This individual caused psychological harm to a national treasure (such as stress disorders), and should face a civil lawsuit for compensation,” and “We hope his city is notified, and all zoos in China blacklist him.”

Many netizens also suggested that Chongqing Zoo create a “blacklist” not only to ban uncivilized viewing behavior but also to include such individuals’ personal credit records into the management of relevant authorities.

Chongqing Zoo Giant Panda Lan Xiang Hit By A Coke Bottle Thrown By A Visitor 1

“Lan Xiang” Unharmed After Coke Bottle Incident

On the morning of January 6th, reporters visited the panda house at Chongqing Zoo and found “Lan Xiang” still calmly on display. In contrast to the crowded conditions in other parts of the zoo, the panda house was relatively quiet, and “Lan Xiang” could be seen lying comfortably on a wooden platform, taking a nap, with bamboo as her food.

Many tourists who came specifically to see “Lan Xiang” were relieved to find her unharmed. One visitor, Ms. Liu, a panda fan, said, “Yesterday (January 5th), ‘Lan Xiang’ was startled by the Coke bottle, so I came today to check on her. I’m glad she’s fine.”

An official from the zoo’s security department explained, “The Coke bottle still contained liquid when it hit the ground, startling the panda. After the incident, experts examined ‘Lan Xiang’ and found no negative effects. So, she is still on display today.”

Chongqing Zoo Giant Panda Lan Xiang Hit By A Coke Bottle Thrown By A Visitor 3

What Happened to the Visitor?

Regarding the visitor responsible for the incident, the security official stated, “After the event, the middle-aged male visitor who threw the Coke bottle was taken away by the local police station. The final result of the handling is pending an official police report.”

Incidents of uncivilized visitor behavior are not uncommon at the zoo, and the zoo has pledged to increase its efforts in monitoring visitor conduct and promoting civilized viewing behavior.

Chongqing Zoo Giant Panda Lan Xiang Hit By A Coke Bottle Thrown By A Visitor 2

Who Is “Lan Xiang”?

“Lan Xiang” is a giant panda born on July 12, 2002, at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. She was relocated to Chongqing Zoo in 2003.

On July 11, 2016, “Lan Xiang” gave birth to twins, “Yu Bao” and “Yu Bei.” On June 23, 2019, she gave birth to another set of male twins, “Shuang Shuang” and “Chong Chong.” Due to her role as a devoted mother, “Lan Xiang” is affectionately known as “Lady Lan” among panda enthusiasts.