Bai Tian (白天/Baitian), a poised and elegant panda, was born on August 20, 2018, at the Bifengxia Base in Sichuan and now calls Beijing Zoo her home. With her delicate bird-like eye rings, large ears, and graceful demeanor, Bai Tian has captured the hearts of visitors and caretakers alike. Despite her social anxiety, Bai Tian’s journey from a reserved cub to a beloved figure at Beijing Zoo has made her a symbol of grace and cleverness, while also raising awareness about the well-being of zoo animals after a notable incident in 2023.
Basic Information
- Name: Bai Tian (白天)
- Meaning of the Name: Daytime
- Gender: Female
- Birthdate: August 20, 2018
- Birthplace: China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Bifengxia Base, Ya’an, Sichuan, China
- Lineage Number: 1158
- Father: Lu Lu (芦芦)
- Mother: Xiao Bai Tu (小白兔)
- Current Residence: Beijing Zoo
- Siblings: Bai Xue (白雪) and Bai Feng (白峰)
Intriguing Details of Panda Bai Tian
Appearance: Bai Tian is a vision of grace and charm, a true panda princess with an air of quiet elegance. Her most striking feature? Delicate, bird-like eye rings accented by a perfect touch of natural winged eyeliner, giving her an effortlessly glamorous look. Her large, rounded ears add to her regal presence, making her appear both dignified and irresistibly adorable – a panda with the poise of royalty and the sweetness of a fairytale character.
Personality: Gentle and well-mannered, Bai Tian has a heart as soft as her fluffy coat. However, she carries a hint of “social anxiety,” preferring the tranquility of nature over the bustle of onlookers. Ever since she was a cub, she found solace in the treetops, where she would lounge for hours, lost in the peaceful beauty of her surroundings. Her love for perching among the branches has earned her a whimsical nickname – “Beijing Zoo’s Tree Hanging Ornament” – a fitting title for a panda who turns every tree into her personal throne.
Intelligence: Bai Tian is a strategic mastermind when it comes to avoiding less-than-appetizing meals. The infamous steamed buns (wo wo tou) at Beijing Zoo don’t seem to meet her high standards, and she’s made that very clear. Rather than outright rejecting them, she’s devised a clever scheme: before even acknowledging the bun, she positions herself to demand a massage from her caretaker. Not just any massage – Bai Tian is particular, pointing to the exact spots she wants rubbed. But the moment the massage ends? The bun remains untouched, leaving her caretakers outmaneuvered once again.
Martial Arts Skills: Don’t let Bai Tian’s gentle demeanor fool you – she’s a warrior in disguise. With her own brand of panda kung fu, she’s mastered techniques like “Iron Head” and “Iron Nose,” using her forehead to snap tough bamboo in half and effortlessly pinching softer bamboo with her nose. These impressive skills have earned her the fitting nickname The Lady Hero, proving that beneath her elegant appearance lies the heart of a fearless fighter.
Life Journey of Panda Bai Tian
Birth: Bai Tian was born on August 20, 2018, at the Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Ya’an, Sichuan.
Move to Beijing: On October 16, 2020, Bai Tian embarked on a new adventure as she moved to Beijing Zoo, one of her birthplaces. The transition from the Bifengxia Base to Beijing Zoo marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Adaptation: At first, Bai Tian was a bit shy, often seeking out peaceful corners to retreat to as she adjusted to the big city life. Away from her mother, the new environment and routines were a lot to take in. Yet, like the resilient panda she is, Bai Tian gradually grew more comfortable, forming bonds with her caretakers and adapting to her new home, from the changing weather to her meals and daily care.
Incident: On May 5, 2023, a video surfaced showing a visitor using a laser pointer to disturb Bai Tian while she was climbing a tree. This incident sparked a significant public outcry and raised concerns about the welfare of zoo animals. The zoo acted swiftly, with veterinarians promptly assessing Bai Tian’s condition to ensure she was unharmed.
