Cheng Gong (成功), affectionately known as the “Princess of Cleanliness,” was a beloved giant panda who captured the hearts of many. Born on September 11, 2000, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Cheng Gong was a twin, sharing her early life with her sister Cheng Ji. Renowned for her distinct characteristics, especially her penchant for cleanliness, she garnered a unique nickname that reflected her personality. Sadly, Cheng Gong passed away on September 3, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that highlights her role in conservation and the fascination people have for these gentle giants.
Basic Information
- Name: Cheng Gong (成功)
- Alias: Princess of Cleanliness
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: September 11, 2000
- Date of Passing: September 3, 2023
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Lineage Number: 522
- Father: Kobe (科比)
- Mother: Cheng Cheng (成成)
- Twin Sister: Cheng Ji (成绩)
Life Experiences
Birth and Early Life:
Cheng Gong entered the world alongside her twin sister Cheng Ji at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. From an early age, she was known for her unique physical feature—her shoulder strap was broken, which contributed to her distinctive appearance. Cheng Gong also developed a reputation for her cleanliness, which ultimately earned her the affectionate title of “Princess of Cleanliness.”
Significant Events:
On April 27, 2002, Cheng Gong was transferred to the Shenzhen Wild Animal Park.
By October 24, 2002, she was adopted for life by the Hong Kong Choh-Ming Li Foundation, where she received the name “Tian Tian.”
In April 2004, she returned to the Chengdu Research Base, continuing her journey as a key ambassador for panda conservation.
Tragically, on the evening of September 2, 2023, the night caretaker reported that Cheng Gong was in good health. However, the following morning, she was found deceased in her enclosure at the age of 23, equivalent to about 70-80 years in human terms.
Reproduction and Offspring
Gong Zai (功仔): Born on July 26, 2008, a male with lineage number 711, currently resides at the Chengdu Research Base. He is known to be the prototype for “Po” from the popular film Kung Fu Panda.
He Qi (和琪): Born on August 12, 2011, a female with lineage number 821, currently lives at the Chengdu Research Base.
He Mei (和美): Also born on August 12, 2011, another female with lineage number 822, residing at the Chengdu Research Base.
He Xing (和兴): A male born on July 23, 2013, with lineage number 875, who was transferred to the Xining Wild Animal Park in 2019.
He Sheng (和盛): A male born on July 23, 2013, with lineage number 876, who unfortunately passed away on September 28, 2016, due to injuries sustained in an attack, resulting in a systemic bacterial infection leading to septicemia.
He Feng (和风): A male born on August 9, 2016, with lineage number 1028, who was later transferred to the Shanghai Zoo in 2019.
He Yu (和雨): A female born on August 9, 2016, with lineage number 1029, who moved to the Sichuan Daxiangling Panda Release Base for transitional training in December 2018.
He Hua (和花): A female born on July 4, 2020, with lineage number 1237, currently residing at the Chengdu Research Base.
He Ye (和叶): Also born on July 4, 2020, a female with lineage number 1238, currently lives at the Chengdu Research Base.