Panda Fu Feng (福凤) is a remarkable female giant panda, born in the Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria, and known for being part of a historic twin birth. Alongside her twin brother Fu Ban, Fu Feng symbolizes the strong diplomatic ties between China and Austria, especially as their birth coincided with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Her life story, from her early days in Austria to her return to China, highlights her special place in the hearts of both countries and her significance in the conservation efforts for giant pandas.
Basic Information
- Name: Fu Feng (福凤)
- Gender: Female
- Studbook Number: 1026
- Date of Birth: August 7, 2016
- Place of Birth: Schönbrunn Zoo, Vienna, Austria
- Father: Long Hui (龙徽)
- Mother: Yang Yang (阳阳)
- Twin Brother: Fu Ban (福伴)
Naming and Symbolic Meaning
On November 23, 2016, the Schönbrunn Zoo held a naming ceremony for the newborn panda twins. The public participated in a name suggestion and voting process, ultimately selecting the names “Fu Ban” for the male cub and “Fu Feng” for the female cub. The names were announced by Chinese Ambassador to Austria, Li Xiaosi, and Austria’s Vice Chancellor, Reinhold Mitterlehner. Ambassador Li Xiaosi explained that “Fu Feng” signifies the arrival of happiness, a fitting name for such a special occasion. The birth of Fu Feng and her brother also coincided with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Austria, further enhancing the symbolic importance of these two pandas.
Growth and Development
Early Years: Fu Feng and her twin brother Fu Ban made history as the first and only panda twins in the world to be successfully raised by their mother in captivity without human intervention. This unique achievement occurred under the attentive care of their mother, Yang Yang, at the Schönbrunn Zoo. The twins quickly became the center of attention at the zoo, receiving loving care from the staff and enthusiastic interest from visitors around the world.
Return to China: On December 2, 2018, at 5:10 PM, Fu Feng and her brother began their journey from Vienna back to China. After a brief stopover in Frankfurt, the pandas arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport at 2:55 AM on December 4. By around 8:00 AM, they reached the quarantine zone at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base, a part of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. Upon arrival, Fu Feng weighed approximately 60 kg and was known to have a particular fondness for bamboo shoots and sweet potatoes. She also had a playful and lively nature, which endeared her to the caretakers at her new home.
Exhibition in Nanjing: On August 28, 2019, Fu Feng was sent to Nanjing Tangshan Ziqing Lake Wildlife Park for an exhibition. During this time, she continued her role as an ambassador for giant pandas, participating in cultural exchange activities and drawing attention to the conservation efforts dedicated to preserving her species.
