Panda Dian Dian: The Shy Princess

Panda Dian Dian

Dian Dian (点点), affectionately known as the Duanwu Little Princess, was born on June 20, 2015, at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Currently residing at the Beijing Zoo Panda House, Dian Dian’s journey has been marked by her unique personality and social anxiety. Despite not being on public display, her charm and endearing nature have won the hearts of many, making her a beloved figure among panda enthusiasts.

Basic Information

  • Name: Dian Dian (点点)
  • Nicknames: Little Princess (小公主)
  • Gender: Female
  • Date of Birth: June 20, 2015
  • Birthplace: Ya’an Bifengxia Base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
  • Current Residence: Beijing Zoo Panda House
  • Lineage Number: 946
  • Mother: Ying Hua (瑛华)
  • Siblings: Da Bai Tu (大白兔)Fu Lu (福禄), Fu Xing (福星), Hua Bao (华宝)

Intriguing Details of Panda Dian Dian

Interaction with Meng Lan: During her growth, Dian Dian acknowledged another giant panda, Meng Lan (萌兰), as her “big brother.” She followed Meng Lan around all day, willingly serving as a stepping stone for him and even offering massages.

Kindergarten Life: It is said that during her time in the “panda kindergarten,” Dian Dian was once taken by her nanny to visit a neighboring enclosure. There, she loudly shouted at the other cubs, scaring them into fleeing in panic.

Refusing to Eat Steamed Bun-shaped Snacks: Dian Dian gained a reputation for refusing to eat “wowo tou” (steamed bun-shaped snacks), successfully defeating all the nannies at the Beijing Zoo. The battle started with Nanny Wang. When she saw the wowo tou, she would just turn and walk away. Then came Nanny Mian Mian, who also failed and sat on the ground with an expression of utter defeat.

Personality: Dian Dian is considered one of the most socially anxious pandas. When faced with large crowds, she tends to climb trees and turn her back to the visitors, sometimes becoming so distressed that she wouldn’t eat or drink.

Life Experience of Panda Dian Dian

Birth: Dian Dian was the first panda cub born worldwide in 2015, weighing approximately 90 grams at birth. Identified as female by experts, she received artificial care shortly after birth due to her mother Ying Hua’s poor maternal care.

Weaning and Independence: On October 28, 2016, Dian Dian was officially weaned and separated from her mother to join the panda kindergarten at the Ya’an Base. By this time, she had learned to eat bamboo and weighed 32 kilograms.

Relocation and Exhibition: On September 21, 2017, Dian Dian moved to Beijing Zoo. She made her debut at Beijing Zoo on October 17, 2017, alongside another panda, Meng Lan. However, Dian Dian displayed signs of social anxiety, feeling uncomfortable around large crowds of visitors. This led to her being taken off public display and being cared for in a private area. Several years later on 10th January, 2024, she finally came back to the public and did not show any discomfort any more.

Gallery of Panda Dian Dian