Er Shun (二顺/Ershun)’s journey is as heartwarming as her personality. From the playful days at Chongqing Zoo to her international fame in Canada, this lovable panda has captured hearts around the world. Known for her gentle nature and loving motherhood, Er Shun’s devotion to her cubs and her insatiable love for bamboo make her an irresistible charm. Her story, filled with travels and tender moments, showcases the true spirit of panda perseverance.
Basic Information
- Name: Er Shun (二顺)
- Gender: Female
- Lineage Number: 676
- Date of Birth: August 10, 2007
- Birthplace: Chongqing Zoo
- Father: Ling Ling (灵灵)
- Mother: Ya Ya (娅娅)
- Siblings: Ya Shuang (娅双), Mang Zai (莽仔), Ya Yun (娅韵), Jing Jing (晶晶), Ya Lao Da (娅老大), Yang Yang (洋洋)
Intriguing Details of Panda Er Shun
Origin of the Name: At Chongqing Zoo, there is a panda group called “Liu Liu Da Shun” (Six Six Great Luck), consisting of six sisters born to the same parents. Their nicknames were from “Yi Shun” to “Liu Shun” (One Shun to Six Shun). However, only Er Shun (Second Shun) kept this name and never had it changed. It’s said that when Er Shun was being considered for relocation to Canada, the zoo assumed the Canadian side might give her a new name, so they didn’t change it themselves. However, the Canadians decided to keep the name “Er Shun,” so while the other “Shun” sisters were given official names, Er Shun retained her simple and endearing name.
Reason for Going to Canada: When Canada selected pandas, they specifically requested Er Shun. This was because Er Shun’s grandmother, Xin Xing (新星), had once stayed in Canada as an Olympic goodwill ambassador, and the Canadian side wanted a descendant of Xin Xing. At the time, Er Shun’s older brother, You You (友友), was adopted by the You family and couldn’t be sent abroad, while her younger brother, Mang Zai, was still too young. Therefore, Er Shun was the most suitable candidate.
A Loving Mother: Er Shun is a super affectionate and gentle mother who adores her cubs. She once secretly took her 70-day-old cub, Yu Ai (渝爱), outside to bask in the sun. She was very doting on her cute sibling cubs, and the mother and her two cubs created many memorable moments. Due to health reasons, when Yu Ke and Yu Ai were nearly two years old, she was separated from her cubs to focus on her own health.
A Food Lover: Er Shun has a great love for food. On one occasion, after eating bamboo to the point of being stuffed and constantly burping, she still tightly clutched the bamboo in her arms and refused to let go.
Life Journey of Panda Er Shun
Birth and Early Life: Er Shun was born on August 10, 2007, at Chongqing Zoo. She grew up in the zoo, enjoying the care and attention of her keepers along with her siblings.
Journey to Canada: On March 25, 2013, Er Shun, along with male giant panda Da Mao (大毛), was sent to Canada for a 10-year collaborative research program. This move was facilitated by Canadian celebrity David Suzuki and supported by the long-standing friendship between Chongqing and Toronto.
Life in Canada: In Canada, Er Shun worked with Toronto Zoo staff and experts from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on panda conservation and breeding.
Breeding: In May 2015, Chinese experts from Chengdu successfully performed artificial insemination on Er Shun. On October 13 of the same year, she gave birth to a pair of twins at Toronto Zoo, named Jia Pan Pan (加盼盼) and Jia Yue Yue (加悦悦).
Relocation: In March 2018, Er Shun and her cubs moved to Calgary Zoo, where they continued to reside.
Return to China: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a bamboo shortage at Calgary Zoo, Er Shun and Da Mao’s stay was cut short. On November 29, 2020, they returned to China. Upon her return, Er Shun was reunited with her family and keepers at Chongqing Zoo.
Second Litter: On July 22, 2022, at Chongqing Zoo, Er Shun gave birth to another pair of twins. The male cub was named Yu Ke (渝可) and the female cub was named Yu Ai (渝爱). Their father is the renowned giant panda Qing Qing (青青).