Some pandas steal hearts with their playful antics, but He Yu (和雨/Heyu) captivates with her quiet grace. With delicate shoulder bands and “ripped socks” on her heels, she carries an elegance that matches her gentle nature. But don’t be fooled by her soft demeanor – this resilient explorer traded comfort for the wild, embracing the call of nature. Now, deep in the forests of Sichuan, she thrives as a true symbol of panda conservation.
Basic Information
- Name: He Yu (和雨)
- Meaning of the Name: Timely Rain
- 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)
- Father: Mei Lan (美兰)
- Twin Brother: He Feng (和风)
- Siblings: Gong Zai (功仔), He Qi (和琪), He Mei (和美), He Xing (和兴), He Sheng (和盛), He Ye (和叶) and He Hua (和花)
Intriguing Details of Panda He Yu
Appearance: He Yu has a sweet and endearing appearance. She inherited her mother Cheng Gong’s delicate and narrow shoulder bands. 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.”
Life Experience of Panda He Yu
Early Childhood: He Yu was born alongside her twin brother, He Feng, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Relocation and Transition: On April 6, 2017, He Yu, along with several other young pandas, was relocated to Panda Valley in Dujiangyan. 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.
Back to The Wild: On February 29, 2020, the Sichuan Daxiangling Provincial Nature Reserve released a full record of the wild release of giant pandas “He Yu” and “Xing Chen.”
