Gong Zai (功仔/Gongzai) isn’t just your average panda—he’s a legend in the making! With his striking appearance and a personality that could rival the most beloved movie characters, this “War God of the West” is as clever as he is charming. Inspired by the beloved Po from Kung Fu Panda, Gong Zai’s playful yet strategic nature has earned him a fanbase that stretches far beyond the Chengdu Research Base. Trust me, you’ll be hooked on his charm in no time!
Basic Information
- Name: Gong Zai (功仔)
- Nicknames: War God of the West (西区战神)
- Gender: Male
- Studbook Number: 711
- Date of Birth: July 26, 2008
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Birth Weight: 117 grams
- Current Residence: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Villa No. 1)
- Mother: Cheng Gong (成功)
- Father: Xiao Ping Ping (小平平)
- Siblings: He Qi (和琪), He Mei (和美), He Xing (和兴), He Sheng (和盛), He Feng (和风), He Yu (和雨), He Ye (和叶) and He Hua (和花)
Intriguing Details of Panda Gong Zai
Appearance and Personality Traits: Gong Zai stands out with his tall, graceful build—his limbs are strong yet slender, and his unusually long nose adds a distinguished charm that gives him a proud, almost noble look. His striking features often draw admiration, with many dubbing him a “handsome star” among pandas. But it’s not just his looks that win hearts – Gong Zai has a personality to match. Calm yet outgoing, gentle yet spirited, he carries himself with an easy confidence that feels both approachable and charismatic. In many ways, he mirrors the lovable character “Po” from Kung Fu Panda – a panda who is as endearing as he is strong.
Movie Inspiration: Gong Zai’s brush with fame began on October 21, 2008, when the creative team behind Kung Fu Panda, including DreamWorks Animation, paid a visit to the Chengdu Research Base in search of inspiration. There, among many pandas, a lively, three-month-old cub caught their attention – none other than Gong Zai. With his playful antics, expressive eyes, and irresistible charm, he became an instant favorite. That unforgettable encounter went on to influence the development of the beloved character “Po” in Kung Fu Panda 2. Gong Zai’s spirited nature and animated personality truly brought the movie’s hero to life, making him an unsung star behind the scenes of a global hit.
Master Strategist: Gong Zai isn’t just handsome—he’s clever, too. During “panda fishing” enrichment sessions, where zookeepers dangle treats to encourage exercise and play, Gong Zai consistently impresses with his quick thinking and agility. He can effortlessly rise on his hind legs to take a few upright steps or swiftly climb to the top of a tree to claim his prize with perfect timing. But Gong Zai’s genius doesn’t stop there. Sometimes, he’ll put on a show of nonchalance – lounging beneath a tree, munching bamboo shoots, seemingly uninterested in the zookeeper’s bait. Just when everyone lets their guard down, he suddenly springs to his feet, snatches the food like a seasoned ninja, and returns to his spot, leaving both staff and spectators in awe of his sly tactics.
Nickname Origin: Despite his usual gentle demeanor, Gong Zai has a bold streak. During his stay at the Dujiangyan Panda Base, he once had a heated scuffle with Mei Lan (美兰), a panda two years his senior. In a surprising twist, young Gong Zai came out on top, leaving Mei Lan yelping in defeat. The zookeepers had to step in and work hard to break up the fight. The story quickly became legend among staff and fans alike, and from that day forward, Gong Zai earned the fearsome and affectionate title: “War God of the West District” (西区战神).
Life Exprience of Panda Gong Zai
Early Childhood: During his early years, Gong Zai was cared for by several “nannies,” thriving on the collective nurturing he received. Since his mother Cheng Gong was a first-time mother and inexperienced in raising cubs, the staff entrusted Gong Zai to the care of the more experienced panda Qi Yuan (奇缘).
Adoption and Naming: On August 17, 2011, Gong Zai was jointly adopted by the Pan Pearl River Delta region and was given the name “Cheng Cheng” (城城).
Wilderness Training: On January 11, 2012, Gong Zai was selected as one of the first six pandas sent by the Chengdu Research Base to Dujiangyan Panda Valley for wilderness training, alongside Xing Rong (星蓉), Xing Ya (星雅), Ying Ying (迎迎), Zhi Zhi (芝芝), and Qi Qi (琪琪).
Return to Cheng Du: After two years of training in the wild, Gong Zai returned to the Chengdu Research Base at the end of 2014 to continue his life there.
