Panda Hua Mei: A Landmark Achievement in Panda Conservation

Panda Hua Mei

Hua Mei (华美), a celebrated giant panda, represents a unique chapter in the story of international conservation and diplomacy. Born on August 21, 1999, at the San Diego Zoo in the United States, Hua Mei was the first giant panda cub conceived through artificial insemination outside of China. Her arrival was a landmark achievement in panda conservation, garnering widespread attention and symbolizing the deepening friendship between China and the United States. With a lineage rich in history and a legacy of significant contributions to the breeding program, Hua Mei’s life reflects a blend of scientific innovation and cross-cultural connection. From her early days in San Diego to her role as a mother of numerous cubs in China, Hua Mei’s story is one of resilience, success, and international cooperation.

Basic Information

  • Name: Hua Mei (华美)
  • Birth Date: August 21, 1999
  • Birthplace: San Diego Zoo, USA
  • Father: Shi Shi (石石)
  • Mother: Bai Yun (白云)
  • Lineage Number: 487
  • Siblings: Su Lin (苏琳), Zhen Zhen (珍珍), Yun Zi (云子), Xiao Li Wu (小礼物), Mei Sheng (美生)
  • Current Residence: Dujiangyan Panda Base

Life Experience of Panda Hua Mei

Birth: Hua Mei’s birth marked a historic moment as she was the first giant panda cub to be born in the United States through artificial insemination. The San Diego Zoo specifically installed cameras to record her birth. Due to Bai Yun’s large paws covering the newborn, people did not immediately see Hua Mei. It wasn’t until she let out a loud cry that her arrival was announced.

Naming: On the 100th day of her life, the then-Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Li Zhaoxing, named her “Hua Mei,” where “Hua” means China and “Mei: means America. Her birth was not just a scientific milestone but also a diplomatic gesture, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

Care and Popularity: From the moment of her birth, Hua Mei received meticulous care at the San Diego Zoo. The zoo’s dedicated staff, along with over 40 volunteers who rotated shifts, ensured that both Hua Mei and her mother, Bai Yun, were well looked after. The team conducted weekly health checks to monitor their well-being. The public’s engagement was also remarkable, with many schoolchildren sending letters and cards to Hua Mei, expressing their affection and support.

Return to China: On March 13, 2004, Hua Mei returned to China, marking the first time a giant panda born abroad came back to its homeland. Her return to the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center’s Wolong Base was met with great enthusiasm both domestically and internationally.

Life in China: However, in 2008, the Wolong Base was affected by the Wenchuan earthquake, prompting Hua Mei’s relocation to the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center’s Bifengxia Base in Ya’an. In 2013, Hua Mei moved again to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where she continued her life and contributions to panda conservation.

Breeding Achievements of Panda Hua Mei

Hua Mei’s return to China marked the beginning of an impressive breeding career. She has successfully given birth to nine litters totaling fourteen cubs, including several sets of twins.

  • Tuan Tuan (团团) (Male): Born September 1, 2004, with lineage number 588. Tuan Tuan was sent to Taiwan with Yuan Yuan on December 23, 2008. Sadly, he passed away on November 19, 2022.
  • Mei Ling (美灵) (Male): Born September 1, 2004, with lineage number 589. Mei Ling was transferred to Nanchang Zoo on March 23, 2015.
  • Ting Ting (婷婷) (Female): Born August 29, 2005, with lineage number 618. She was transferred to Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park on March 26, 2008.
  • Wei Wei (伟伟) (Male): Born August 29, 2005, with lineage number 619. Wei Wei returned to the Dujiangyan Base on October 27, 2021.
  • Hua Long (华龙) (Male): Born July 16, 2007, with lineage number 668. Hua Long was sent to Yueyang China Giant Panda Park on July 18, 2023.
  • Hua Ao (华奥) (Male): Born July 16, 2007, with lineage number 669. Hua Ao was transferred to Jinan Zoo on February 18, 2019.
  • Hao Hao (好好) (Female): Born July 7, 2009, with lineage number 741. Hao Hao was sent to the Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium on February 22, 2014.
  • Yang Hu (阳虎) (Male): Born September 17, 2010, with lineage number 798. Yang Hu passed away on February 7, 2012.
  • Jia Jia (嘉嘉) (Female): Born August 5, 2012, with lineage number 846. Jia Jia was transferred to Shanghai Wild Animal Park in 2019.
  • Hua Rong (华荣) (Male): Born July 18, 2013, with lineage number 874. Hua Rong was sent to the Qingshen International Bamboo Art City Panda Pavilion on February 4, 2017.
  • Yi Yi (壹壹) (Male): Born July 2, 2018, with lineage number 1133.
  • Jiu Jiu (玖玖) (Female): Born July 2, 2018, with lineage number 1134. Jiu Jiu was sent to Yangzhou Yizheng Expo Park in 2021.
  • Meng Meng (盟盟) (Female): Born October 17, 2019, with lineage number 1225. Meng Meng was transferred to Wuhan Zoo on September 9, 2023.
  • Jin Du Du (金嘟嘟) (Female): Born October 17, 2019, with lineage number 1226. Jin Du Du moved to the Dujiangyan Panda Base in 2021.

Gallery of Panda Hua Mei