Bei Bei (贝贝/Beibei), with his irresistibly cute charm, quickly won hearts across the world, but there’s more to this precious treasure than meets the eye. Known for his love of delicious food and a playful, lively spirit, Bei Bei’s journey from the Smithsonian to China was filled with surprises – like his curious “brown fur” transformation after digging in the dirt, and his epic farewell party. This panda’s life story is as delightful as his adorable antics.
Basic Information
- Name: Bei Bei (贝贝)
- Meaning of the Name: Precious Treasure
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 22, 2015
- Place of Birth: Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington, D.C.
- Lineage Number: 978
- Father: Tian Tian (添添)
- Mother: Mei Xiang (美香)
- Siblings: Tai Shan (泰山), Ao Ao (傲傲), Bao Bao (宝宝), and Xiao Qi Ji (小奇迹)
Intriguing Details of Panda Bei Bei
“Brown Fur”: After Bei Bei returned to China, he developed a habit of digging around in the dirt, which left him covered in grime. His once snowy white fur, which had been so beautiful in the U.S., turned a brownish yellow shortly after his return, shocking his fans.
Little Foodie: In addition to his lively personality, Bei Bei is quite discerning about his food. He has a preference for high-quality treats and enjoys a variety of delicious foods, including sugarcane, sweet potatoes, and honey water, earning him the nickname “Little Foodie.”
Life Experience of Panda Bei Bei
Symbolic Birth: On September 25, 2015, China’s First Lady, Peng Liyuan, visited the Smithsonian National Zoo accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama. During this visit, they celebrated the birth of Mei Xiang’s cub, naming him Bei Bei. This gesture symbolized goodwill and cooperation between the United States and China, as pandas are a treasured symbol in both countries.
Disease and Recovery: On November 27, 2017, the zoo announced that Bei Bei was experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, displaying symptoms such as increased sleep and a loss of appetite. Veterinarians discovered a blockage in his small intestine, caused by a mass of bamboo the size of a lemon. They performed emergency surgery, and Bei Bei’s recovery was stable, with zookeepers reporting that he returned to his playful self shortly thereafter.
Farewell Party: As Bei Bei approached his fourth birthday on August 22, 2019, the zoo celebrated with a special birthday cake made from his favorite treats. The zoo organized a series of farewell events for Bei Bei as he prepared to return to China. From November 11 to 18, visitors could enjoy special treats with him, write postcards, and bid farewell, with all postcards set to accompany Bei Bei on his journey back home.
Return to China: On November 19, 2019, Bei Bei boarded a special flight from Washington, D.C., to Chengdu, China. Upon arrival, he settled into the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. After a month of quarantine to ensure his health and safety, Bei Bei officially met the public on December 30, 2019. Since his return, Bei Bei has thrived in his new home, enjoying a happy life filled with plenty of food, rest, and play.
