If there were ever a panda who embodies both charm and wit, it would be Hua Long (华龙/Hualong). With his snowy fur, big sparkling eyes, and an ever-present smile, he has a way of winning hearts effortlessly. But don’t let his soft, cuddly appearance fool you – this 18-year-old is a self-sufficient forager, a seasoned traveler, and the undisputed big brother of the Yueyang Giant Panda Garden. Get ready to fall for this remarkable panda legend!
Basic Information
- Name: Hua Long (华龙)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: July 16, 2007
- Birthplace: Hetaoping Wild Reintroduction Training Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
- Studbook Number: 668
- Mother: Hua Mei (华美)
- Father: Lu Lu (芦芦)
- Twin Brother: Hua Ao (华奥)
- Siblings: Mei Ling (美灵), Ting Ting (婷婷), Wei Wei (伟伟), Hao Hao (好好), Jia Jia (嘉嘉), Hua Rong (华荣), Yi Yi (壹壹), Jiu Jiu (玖玖), Meng Meng (盟盟), Jin Du Du (金嘟嘟)
Intriguing Details of Panda Hua Long
Self-Sufficient and Resourceful: The Yueyang Giant Panda Garden has plenty of bamboo growing within its grounds, and besides enjoying the food provided by caretakers, Hua Long often treats himself to extra meals. In spring, he roams the ground searching for bamboo shoots. Once he finds one he likes, he pulls it out and peels it on the spot before enjoying the fresh taste. In summer and autumn, his attention shifts to tall bamboo. After selecting his favorite, he bites the middle of the stalk and uses his body weight to break it down, feasting on the tender leaves and stalks.
Life Experience of Panda Hua Long
First Relocation: Hua Long spent his early years at the Hetaoping Wild Reintroduction Training Base, growing up alongside his twin brother, Hua Ao. On July 21, 2008, Hua Long was transferred to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base, where he continued to thrive under expert care.
Move to Anhui Province: In 2010, Hua Long embarked on his first “business trip” to the Huangshan Xiuning Giant Panda Ecological Park. In February 2018, he was recalled to the China Conservation and Research Center as part of a national breeding pairing program. However, by December 20, 2018, he returned to Huangshan for another stay. In December 2021, due to renovations at Huangshan, Hua Long and another panda, Hui Hui (回回), returned to Sichuan.
Move to Hunan Province: Most recently, on July 18, 2023, Hua Long moved to the Yueyang China Giant Panda Garden alongside other pandas like Hao Yue (皓月) and Xi Yue (喜悦). He has fair fur, beautiful big eyes, and always wears a cheerful smile. Even at 18 years old, he still looks soft and adorable. He is the only “post-2000s” elder brother at the zoo.
