Giant Pandas “Lin Xi” and “Yi Jia” Move into Sichuan Huaying Mountain Panda Reserve

On July 30, giant pandas “Lin Xi” and “Yi Jia” from the China Giant Panda Conservation Research Center arrived at the newly established panda reserve in Huaying Mountain, Guang’an, Sichuan. This move marks the beginning of a new collaboration between Guang’an and the China Giant Panda Conservation Research Center, following the end of their previous cooperation in 2019, which focused on the semi-wild training and adaptation of giant pandas. This also signifies the introduction of a new pair of pandas to the Huaying Mountain reserve, succeeding the return of pandas “Yang Hua,” “Yun Tao,” and “Tao Tao” to the research center.

On the morning of July 30, at 8:00 AM, “Lin Xi” and “Yi Jia” departed from the China Giant Panda Conservation Research Center’s Dujiangyan base, escorted by staff from the research center, the Guang’an Forestry Bureau, and the Huaying Public Security Bureau. They successfully arrived at their new home at around 2:00 PM.

“Lin Xi” is a female panda with a round face and a sweet, gentle, and shy personality, often referred to as the “Lin Daiyu of pandas,” and nicknamed “Lin Mei Mei.” “Yi Jia” is a male panda with a striking appearance, notable for the tufted fur around his cheeks forming pointed angles that give him a hexagonal face. Due to his position as the fifth in his litter, he is affectionately called “Yao Xiao Wu” or “Tiao Tiao Wu” by fans.

Giant Pandas Lin Xi And Yi Jia Move Into Sichuan Huaying Mountain Panda Reserve 1

Interestingly, “Lin Xi” and “Yi Jia” share the same birthday, July 27, but were born in different years—2021 and 2019, respectively.

Huaying Mountain, located in Guang’an, Sichuan, is a historic habitat for giant pandas. To enhance biodiversity protection, Guang’an and the China Giant Panda Conservation Research Center began a five-year cooperative program on giant panda semi-wild training and adaptation in 2014, which concluded in 2019.

In order to continue public education and scientific display cooperation regarding giant pandas, Huaying City invested over 40 million yuan to build a new panda breeding facility and a 3,000-acre bamboo base. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2023.

With an elevation of up to 1,704 meters, summer temperatures reaching 22 degrees Celsius, and over 95% forest cover, Huaying Mountain offers an ideal environment for giant pandas with its comfortable climate, abundant food sources, and fresh air.

In recent years, to ensure the comfort, health, and happiness of giant pandas at Huaying Mountain, the Huaying Mountain Panda Education Center has assembled an experienced management team and developed comprehensive feeding management systems and technical guidelines. Currently, “Lin Xi” and “Yi Jia” are adjusting to their new environment and will meet the public after their adaptation period concludes.