He Xing (和兴), a charming male giant panda born on July 23, 2013, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, has captivated panda enthusiasts with his playful spirit and distinct features. Known by several nicknames, including Mars, Qing Qing, and Northwest King, He Xing’s endearing personality and striking appearance make him a standout among his peers. His journey from a playful cub to a beloved resident of the Xining Wild Animal Park reflects the dedication to panda conservation and the joy these remarkable creatures bring to our lives.
Basic Information
- Name: He Xing (和兴)
- Gender: Male
- Lineage Number: 875
- Date of Birth: July 23, 2013
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Birth Weight: 141 grams
- Nicknames: Mars (火星), Qing Qing (青青), Northwest King (西北王)
- Mother: Cheng Gong (成功)
- Father: Yong Yong (勇勇)
- Twin Brother: He Sheng (和盛)
Physical Characteristics
He Xing has a robust and well-rounded physique, with a round head and short tail. His fur is strikingly marked, with a unique blend of black and white. Unlike other pandas, his coat has shades that give it a brownish hue, while the white areas carry a hint of yellow. One of He Xing’s most distinctive features is the interruption of the black band around his shoulders, which, combined with the white “socks” on his feet, allows for easy identification among other pandas. This unique appearance adds to his charm and appeal.
Personality and Behavior
He Xing is known for his lively and playful personality. He enjoys being active and spending time outdoors, engaging in various playful antics that delight visitors. As a giant panda, He Xing excels at climbing trees and often participates in playful behavior with his fellow pandas. Climbing serves multiple purposes for pandas, including finding mates, escaping danger, or allowing weaker pandas to avoid confrontations with stronger ones. He Xing also spends a considerable amount of time sleeping, showcasing an array of adorable sleeping positions that further endear him to fans.
Growth and Development
He Xing grew up alongside his twin brother, He Sheng, and transitioned from playful cubs to adult pandas. Their early years were spent exploring their surroundings and developing their unique personalities.
He Xing’s journey took him to various places, expanding his experiences beyond the Chengdu base. On April 27, 2016, he traveled to the Yunnan Wild Animal Park, where he showcased his playful spirit to a new audience. After a brief stay, He Xing returned to the Chengdu Research Base on November 16, 2016.
In June 2019, He Xing embarked on another journey, this time to the Panda Pavilion at the Xining Wild Animal Park, where he continues to reside and enchant visitors.
He Xing was initially slated to participate in an international cooperative research project in Denmark. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the opportunity was ultimately given to another panda, Xing Er. Despite this change, He Xing’s engaging personality and captivating appearance ensure that he remains a beloved figure in the panda community.
