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)
Life Experience of Panda Ding Ding
Early Life: 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.
Travel to Moscow: 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.
Living Condition: To welcome Ding Ding and Ru Yi, the Moscow Zoo meticulously renovated the giant panda enclosure and installed humidity control and spraying systems to ensure their comfort. The humidity in Ding Ding and Ruyi’s new home is kept between 60% and 70%, and it is equipped with a bamboo preservation room, a food preparation area, a monitoring room, and more, making for a very pleasant living environment.
Life in Moscow: 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.
Celebrations: On Ding Ding’s birthday or other important Festivals, the Moscow Zoo hosts celebratory events in his honor. For instance, the zoo prepares bamboo cakes with berries and fruits, along with new toys as gifts for Ding Ding. There are also performances, including Chinese lion and dragon dances and waist drum shows, for visitors to enjoy and share in Ding Ding’s joy.
Breeding Achievement: 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. 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.