Meet Ding Ding (丁丁), an enchanting female giant panda born on July 30, 2017, at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Wolong, specifically at the Shenshu Ping base. With her mother, Hai Zi, and twin brother, You You, Ding Ding enjoyed a nurturing childhood where she developed essential skills such as crawling, standing, and eating bamboo. In April 2019, her life took an exciting turn as she and her companion Ru Yi embarked on a journey to Moscow Zoo, marking the beginning of a significant 15-year conservation collaboration between China and Russia. Ding Ding’s playful spirit and engaging personality have made her a beloved figure at the zoo, captivating visitors and contributing to the vital work of panda conservation.
Basic Information
- Name: Ding Ding (丁丁)
- Date of Birth: July 30, 2017
- Gender: Female
- Pedigree Number: 1087
- Place of Birth: Wolong Shenshu Ping Base, China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center
- Mother: Hai Zi (海子)
- Twin Brother: You You (酉酉)
- Siblings: Le Le (乐乐), Xiang Ge (香格), Xiang Lin (香林), Xin Xin (鑫鑫)
Growth Experience
Ding Ding spent her early childhood at the Wolong Shenshu Ping Base, where she lived with her mother, Hai Zi, and twin brother, You You. During this formative period, she gradually learned essential life skills, including crawling, standing, and the crucial ability to eat bamboo.
On April 29, 2019, Ding Ding and her male counterpart Ru Yi (如意) were transported to Moscow Zoo, beginning a 15-year journey that would not only showcase their beauty but also play a significant role in international panda conservation efforts. In Moscow, Ding Ding and Ru Yi quickly became star attractions, drawing countless visitors eager to observe their delightful antics.
Living Habits
Ding Ding primarily feeds on bamboo, though she enjoys other foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes. To ensure that the pandas receive high-quality food, Moscow Zoo has established a long-term partnership with suppliers in Sichuan, facilitating the regular air shipment of fresh bamboo and bamboo shoots to the zoo.
Ding Ding’s life in Moscow has been remarkably comfortable, as the zoo has created an ideal habitat for her. She loves spending time in the outdoor play area, where she enjoys climbing trees, rolling around, and indulging in her favorite bamboo treats. Additionally, Ding Ding has shown a remarkable affinity for interacting with visitors, displaying a friendly demeanor that endears her to zoo-goers and highlights her capacity to bond with humans.
Breeding Situation
On July 19, 2023, Moscow Zoo announced that Ding Ding and Ru Yi had successfully completed their “first intimate encounter,” showcasing promising behavior from both pandas. This interaction marked a significant milestone in their breeding program.
On August 24, 2023, the zoo proudly announced that Ding Ding had given birth to a healthy cub, making it the first panda cub born in Russia. This event holds great importance for the China-Russia Giant Panda Protection Research Cooperation Project, symbolizing the successful collaboration between the two nations in the effort to preserve this beloved species.
