Panda Cheng Da: A Pretentious Mother

Panda Cheng Da

Cheng Da (成大) is a remarkable giant panda born on August 15, 2011, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Known for her nurturing nature and unique personality, Cheng Da has made significant strides in both her personal life and her contributions to giant panda breeding. Her early years at the research base were marked by careful attention and care, setting the stage for a life filled with unique experiences, including a memorable exhibition stint at Hangzhou Zoo. Cheng Da’s maternal instincts have shone through in her successful breeding efforts, making her a beloved figure among panda enthusiasts and caretakers alike.

Basic Information

  • Name: Cheng Da (成大)
  • Date of Birth: August 15, 2011
  • Gender: Female
  • Lineage Number: 824
  • Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
  • Mother: Cheng Ji (成绩)
  • Twin Brother: Cheng Xiao (成小)

Development History

Juvenile Period: Cheng Da spent her early years at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where she received meticulous care and nurturing.

Exhibition Experience: In September 2013, Cheng Da and her brother Cheng Xiao were sent to Hangzhou Zoo for a short-term exhibition. This experience not only allowed Cheng Da to interact with more visitors but also enriched her “panda life” experience. In September 2016, Cheng Da concluded her exhibition period and returned to the Chengdu Research Base.

Breeding Contributions: As a female giant panda, Cheng Da has made significant contributions to breeding. She gave birth to two sets of twins on June 27, 2017, and June 11, 2019. The 2017 cubs were named Da Mei (female) and Cheng Lan (male), while the 2019 cubs were named Cheng Feng (female) and Cheng Lang (female, the lightest newborn giant panda cub globally).

Personality Traits

Cheng Da is renowned for her unique personality and maternal instincts. Although she is occasionally teased by her caretakers for being “pretentious” or “careless” with her cubs – for instance, pretending to hold her cubs correctly only to have them face down with their feet up – her maternal instincts are still highly valued. She often uses her soft belly as a cradle to soothe her cubs to sleep and sleeps with them, exposing her belly. Despite her occasional quirks, Cheng Da’s nurturing qualities are well-recognized by her caretakers.

Gallery of Panda Cheng Da