Panda Bao Mei (宝妹), a female giant panda born at Belgium’s Pairi Daiza Zoo in 2019, has won the hearts of countless fans as she grew up overseas. Alongside her twin brother Bao Di, Bao Mei became an icon of international panda diplomacy and a beloved resident of Belgium. As she prepares to return to China, her journey reflects a deep bond between the two nations and marks a new chapter in her life.
Basic Information
- Name: Bao Mei (宝妹)
- Gender: Female
- Birth Date: August 8, 2019
- Birthplace: Pairi Daiza Zoo, Belgium
- Father: Xing Hui (星徽)
- Mother: Hao Hao (好好)
- Siblings: Bao Di (宝弟) and Tian Bao (天宝)
Name and Background
In late 2019, Pairi Daiza Zoo launched a public campaign to name their panda twins. On October 29, the zoo invited its social media followers to choose names, and the response was overwhelming, with over 73,000 fans voting. The names “Bao Di” and “Bao Mei” emerged as the winners, chosen for their meaning, “Precious Brother” and “Precious Sister.” These names connect them to their older brother Tian Bao, the first panda born in Belgium. The names were officially announced on November 14, 2019, at a ceremony held at the zoo, making Bao Mei and Bao Di icons within the Belgian panda family.
Life Experience of Panda Bao Mei
Early Life: Bao Mei spent her early years at Pairi Daiza Zoo, where she and her twin Bao Di received attentive care from the zookeepers. Alongside her fellow pandas, Bao Mei quickly became a favorite among visitors.
Birthday Celebration: To celebrate the twin pandas’ third birthday, the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, in partnership with Pairi Daiza Zoo, hosted a special birthday event on August 6, 2022. This celebration drew numerous guests from both China and Belgium, including many children, underscoring the cultural exchange fostered through the presence of the panda twins.
Return News: On February 20, 2024, Pairi Daiza Zoo announced that Bao Mei, her twin brother Bao Di, and older sibling Tian Bao would return to China in the fall. This announcement was met with anticipation, as fans expressed both joy and sadness at the pandas’ impending departure.
Back to China: Then, on October 23, 2024, the zoo confirmed that the pandas’ journey would begin on December 10, officially marking their return to China (How Do Overseas Giant Pandas Return to China?). On December 11th, Bao Mei, Bao Di and Tian Bao Landed safely in Chengdu.
Public Meeting: On January 26, 2025, these three pandas ended their quarantine and officially met the public in Bifengxia Panda Base.