Fu Shun (福顺)/Fushun’s journey from a playful panda cub to an unexpected “member” of Manchester City is as delightful as it is unique. Known for his signature white fur, upward-curved eye patches, and a charming mole by his nose, Fu Shun first stole hearts with his head-over-heels tumbles during his public debut. Whether pouting over lost toys or nervously clinging to treetops, his endearing quirks – and even his honorary football jersey – have made him an unforgettable panda star.
Basic Information
- Name: Fu Shun (福顺)
- Meaning of the Name: Fortune and Smoothness
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Gender: Male
- Birth Date: July 14, 2016
- Lineage Number: 1013
- Mother: Qi Fu (奇福)
- Siblings: Qi Qiao (七巧), Qi Xi (七喜), Fu Lai (福来)
Intriguing Details of Panda Fu Shun
Unforgettable Debut: In September 2016, amidst a lineup of 22 panda cubs making their grand debut, Fu Shun stole the show – quite literally. While his peers sat adorably in place, he chose a far more dramatic entrance, tumbling head over heels in a playful somersault. His unexpected acrobatics instantly captured hearts, launching him into viral fame and cementing his place as one of the most charming panda celebrities.
A Face You Can’t Forget: Fu Shun’s striking appearance makes him instantly recognizable. His brilliantly white fur, perfectly curved eye patches that give him a perpetually cheerful look, and a distinctive mole beside his nose set him apart. Whether posing for the camera or just lounging around, he carries an effortlessly photogenic charm that fans adore.
Endearing Antics & Gentle Manners: Fu Shun’s playful spirit shines in every interaction. If a keeper dares to take away his toys, he doesn’t just let it go – he pouts, chases after them, and puts on an adorable “protest” performance until he wins them back. Despite his playful mischief, he also has a remarkably gentle side, especially when sharing meals with his sister, Fu Lai. Ever the gentleman, he often lets her eat first, proving that behind his fun-loving personality lies a heart as big as his appetite.
Adorable Dilemma: Despite his social media fame, Fu Shun has moments of pure, unfiltered awkwardness. After a full day of melting hearts with his antics, he sometimes refuses to climb down from the trees when it’s time to go home. While his panda playmates obediently descend, Fu Shun clings to the branches, too nervous to make the move. This isn’t just a one-time thing – his keepers are all too familiar with his predicament. It often takes a whole team of caregivers, coaxing, cheering, and encouraging their hesitant “panda star” before he finally, albeit shakily, makes his way down. The reason? As a cub, Fu Shun suffered multiple falls while climbing, leaving him with a lingering fear and a rather humbling psychological scar.
A Panda in the Premier League: In 2018, Fu Shun’s star power reached new heights when Premier League powerhouse Manchester City adopted the two-year-old panda. To celebrate, the club held an online poll to give him a new honorary name, with “Cheng Cheng” emerging as the winner. To make things even more official, Manchester City designed a special #86 jersey just for him, symbolically welcoming him into the club’s family.
