If you think pandas are just adorable balls of fluff, let Ai Jiu (艾玖/Aijiu) show you a whole new level of charm! Born as the heaviest cub at her birth, Ai Jiu’s playful spirit and endearing personality quickly won hearts around the world. From her oversized Mickey Mouse-like ears to her mischievous tree-climbing antics, there’s no shortage of surprises when it comes to this playful panda. Once you hear her story, you’ll be hooked on her irresistible charm.
Basic Information
- Name: Ai Jiu (艾玖)
- Meaning of the Name: Black Jade of the Ai Family
- Nickname: Mickey Jiu Jiu
- Gender: Female
- Lineage Number: 1235
- Date of Birth: June 5, 2020, at 13:06
- Place of Birth: Moon Delivery Room, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Birth Weight: 219 grams, the heaviest recorded newborn at the Chengdu Panda Base
- Mother: Ai Li (艾莉)
- Father: Gong Zai (功仔)
- Siblings: Ai Mi (艾米), Ai Lun (艾伦), Ai Lin (艾琳), Ai Si (艾斯)
Intriguing Details of Panda Ai Jiu
Big Ears: Ai Jiu’s most irresistible feature? Her adorably oversized ears, which have earned her the nickname “Mickey Jiu Jiu” from both her caretakers and devoted fans. They’re perfectly round and sit high on her head, giving her an almost cartoonish look that makes her even more lovable.
Uncooperation: Ai Jiu’s independent spirit shines through in her mischievous love for tree climbing. Nothing could coax this little panda down, not even her doting nanny, Grandpa Tan, who once spent three hours trying to bring her back to earth. First, he tempted her with a delicious steamed bun, but Ai Jiu only cast a lazy glance at it before resuming her perch high above. Unfazed, Grandpa Tan tried a sweet apple, only to watch her ignore it entirely. Desperation led to a honey-coated steamed bun, but she remained unmoved. Finally, in a last-ditch effort, Grandpa Tan pulled out the big guns – a spray of water! The moment the cool water hit her, Ai Jiu reluctantly descended, no longer able to resist her bath-time treatment.
Caring for Hua Hua: Beneath Ai Jiu’s cheeky exterior lies a heart of gold. Take, for instance, her deep bond with her companion Hua Hua (花花). When Hua Hua became frustrated after a little rope tugging, tumbling around in circles in a fit of anger, she yanked Ai Jiu down by the fur. But instead of reacting with irritation, Ai Jiu stayed calm and composed, accepting the situation with quiet grace.
Life Experiences of Ai Jiu
Birth: Ai Jiu made a remarkable debut into the world, instantly setting a record as the heaviest newborn panda ever recorded at the Chengdu Panda Base. Weighing in at a hefty 219 grams, she became an instant sensation.
Life in Nursery: From November 2021 to October 2022, Ai Jiu spent her early days in the “Class 1 of the Nursery,” a special area fondly dubbed the “Grandfather’s Pigsty.” This was a cozy and bustling space, where Ai Jiu shared time with her fellow pandas, including her friends Hua Hua, He Ye (和叶), and Run Yue (润玥). The nursery was filled with laughter, playful antics, and plenty of naps, making it the perfect environment for a curious young panda to begin exploring the world.
Life with Run Yue: On October 27, 2022, Ai Jiu and her best friend Run Yue graduated from the nursery, moving to the more peaceful B section of the sub-adult panda area. Here, surrounded by towering trees and quieter surroundings, Ai Jiu began to embrace her playful nature even more. The bond between Ai Jiu and Run Yue blossomed, with the two pandas sharing everything – from meals to naps, and of course, endless playtime. Ai Jiu often took it upon herself to be Run Yue’s “alarm clock,” gently waking her up from naps with her infectious energy, ready for their next adventure together.
