He Yu (和雨) is a female giant panda born on August 9, 2016, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. With her sweet appearance and gentle temperament, He Yu has captured the hearts of many panda enthusiasts. As part of a dedicated effort to increase the wild giant panda population, He Yu has undergone extensive reintroduction training. Her journey from birth to the wilderness reflects the commitment to preserving and protecting this iconic species.
Basic Information
- Name: He Yu (和雨)
- Gender: Female
- Lineage Number: 1029
- Date of Birth: August 9, 2016
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Birth Weight: 152.8 grams
- Mother: Cheng Gong (成功)
- Twin Brother: He Feng (和风)
Appearance
He Yu is often described as having a sweet and endearing appearance. She inherited her mother Cheng Gong’s delicate and narrow shoulder bands, which add to her unique charm. One distinctive feature is the patch of white fur on her heels, which has been affectionately nicknamed “ripped socks” by her fans. Additionally, she has a thin white ring around one of her legs, further adding to her distinctiveness. He Yu’s gentle and soft demeanor has earned her the nickname “soft girl,” highlighting her calm and well-behaved nature.
Growth and Development
Early Childhood
He Yu was born alongside her twin brother, He Feng, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. From the moment of her birth, she received meticulous care from the staff at the base, ensuring she had the best possible start to life. Under the nurturing care of her mother and the dedicated team of caretakers, He Yu thrived during her early months, showing signs of being a healthy and strong cub.
Relocation and Transition
On April 6, 2017, He Yu, along with several other young pandas, was relocated to Panda Valley in Dujiangyan. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, where she had to adapt to a different environment. Despite the change, He Yu quickly settled into her new home, continuing to receive the care and attention needed to grow and develop.
Reintroduction Training
In December 2018, He Yu was selected to participate in a reintroduction program aimed at increasing the wild giant panda population. She was transferred to the Daxiangling Field Reintroduction Research Base, where she began training with another panda, Xing Chen (星辰). The goal of this training was to prepare He Yu for life in the wild by teaching her essential survival skills such as finding food, locating water sources, and identifying suitable habitats.
Currently, He Yu is still undergoing reintroduction training at the research base. Researchers closely monitor her behavior, habitat use, and health through various methods to ensure she is well-prepared for eventual release into the wild.
