Panda Gong Zhu (公主), affectionately known as “Princess,” was a female giant panda who lived a long and eventful life, captivating the hearts of people with her grace and strength. Born in 1998 at the Walnut Flat Wild Training Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center, she was a symbol of dedication to the preservation of this endangered species. Throughout her 35 years, Gong Zhu journeyed across different panda bases and zoos, eventually becoming a mother to several cubs who continued her legacy. Sadly, in July 2023, she passed away due to health complications, leaving behind a legacy of conservation and care.
Basic Information
- Name: Gong Zhu (公主)
- Nickname: Princess
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: September 11, 1998
- Date of Death: July 24, 2023
- Birthplace: Walnut Flat Wild Training Base, China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center
- Mother: Tang Tang (唐唐)
- Father: Da Di (大地)
- Studbook Number: 477
Life Journey
Early Life: Gong Zhu was born at the Walnut Flat Wild Training Base, where she spent her early years under the care of her mother, Tang Tang. Like other panda cubs, Gong Zhu was nurtured and protected as she developed the essential skills required to thrive in her environment.
Relocations and Exhibitions: Gong Zhu’s life was marked by several relocations to different facilities, where she played an essential role in both conservation efforts and public awareness about pandas.
- March 17, 2001: Gong Zhu was transferred to Changsha Ecological Zoo for exhibition.
- June 18, 2001: She returned to the Walnut Flat Wild Training Base.
- July 21, 2008: Gong Zhu was relocated to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.
- July 11, 2014: She returned once again to the Walnut Flat Wild Training Base.
- March 17, 2015: Gong Zhu moved to the Dujiangyan Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.
- March 31, 2015: She returned to Ya’an Bifengxia Base.
- April 3, 2016: Gong Zhu was exhibited at Ganzhou Forest Zoo.
- July 17, 2017: She was returned to Dujiangyan Base.
- 2018: Gong Zhu returned to the Walnut Flat Wild Training Base, where she lived until her passing.
Health Condition and Passing
In July 2023, Gong Zhu’s health began to decline rapidly due to malignant tumors in her lymphatic and hematopoietic systems. These conditions eventually led to multi-organ failure, severely affecting her respiratory system among others. Despite the valiant efforts of a dedicated medical team, they were unable to save her. Gong Zhu passed away on July 24, 2023, at the age of 35, marking the end of a remarkable life.
Offspring
Throughout her life, Gong Zhu became the proud mother of several cubs, many of whom have carried on her legacy in various panda research centers and zoos. Her offspring include:
Ge Ge (格格) (Female, born September 6, 2003, Studbook Number 571): Transferred to Emei Shanzhi Bamboo Ecological Park on March 30, 2012, and later to Tianjin Zoo on December 26, 2018.
Jun Zhu (郡主) (Female, born September 6, 2003, Studbook Number 572): Relocated to Wolong Shenshuping Base (China Giant Panda Garden) on May 16, 2017.
Ya Ao (雅奥) (Male, born August 13, 2004, Studbook Number 583): Transferred to Shanghai Wildlife Park on March 29, 2006. Unfortunately, Ya Ao passed away from intestinal obstruction on March 4, 2022, in Shanghai.
Li Li (丽丽) (Female, born August 16, 2005, Studbook Number 611): Moved to Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou on March 26, 2008, and then to Hangzhou Wildlife Park on September 25, 2012.
Bi Li (比力) (Male, born August 16, 2005, Studbook Number 612): Transferred to Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou alongside Li Li, and later moved to Ueno Zoo in Japan on February 21, 2011.
Huan Huan (欢欢) (Male, born August 14, 2006, Studbook Number 636): Moved to Beijing Zoo on May 24, 2008, and later transferred to the Panda Pavilion at Taizhou Wenling Changyu Dongtian on June 10, 2010.
Zhu Ling (竹灵) (Female, born August 18, 2007, Studbook Number 682): Relocated to Liugong Island National Forest Park in Weihai on November 5, 2010.
Zhu Hai (竹海) (Male, born August 18, 2007, Studbook Number 683): Tragically passed away on June 24, 2008.
Yun Yun (运运) (Male, born July 7, 2009, Studbook Number 742): Moved to Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou on October 27, 2010, and then transferred to Deqing Xiazhu Lake Panda Park in Huzhou on January 22, 2013.
Shan Hu (山虎) (Male, born August 24, 2010, Studbook Number 790): Transferred to Hangzhou Wildlife Park on September 25, 2012.
Wu Wen (武雯) (Female, born August 11, 2013, Studbook Number 884): Transferred to Ouwehands Zoo in the Netherlands alongside Xing Ya on April 11, 2017.
Xian Xian (贤贤) (Female, born August 15, 2014, Studbook Number 935): Moved to Dezhou Zoo on September 28, 2016, then to Shijiazhuang Zoo on September 27, 2019, before returning to the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.
Qi Qi (七七) (Female, born July 17, 2018, Studbook Number 1139): Currently resides at Shanghai Wildlife Park.
