Hua Yang (华阳/Huayang)’s personality is as fascinating as his panda lineage, blending charm and mischief into one lovable package. From his playful antics as a cub with his best friend Huan Ni, to his more laid-back but surprisingly observant nature, this gentle giant is far from just another panda. But behind his playful exterior is a journey of growth, challenges, and triumphs – one that led him to become a proud father and symbol of perseverance.
Basic Information
- Name: Hua Yang (华阳)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 12, 2013
- Birthplace: Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
- Studbook Number: 886
- Mother: Shui Xiu (水秀)
- Father: Yang Yang (阳阳)
- Siblings: Ao Ao (傲傲), Feng Feng (峰峰), Yi Ran (怡然), Yi Chang (怡畅), Lu Lu (禄禄), Xi Xi (禧禧), Bao Lai (宝来), Can Can (璨璨), Xiu Qiu (绣球), Xiu Yang (秀阳), Mao Mao (茅茅)
Intriguing Details of Panda Hua Yang
Birth: Hua Yang was born at the Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base as the smaller cub of a twin birth. Tragically, his twin brother passed away early on, leaving Hua Yang as the sole survivor of his mother Shui Xiu’s third litter. Despite this, Hua Yang thrived under the care of the panda base.
Good Friend Huan Ni: As a cub, Hua Yang lived in the same enclosure as Huan Ni (华妮), who later traveled to South Korea. Both pandas were separated from their mothers at an early age. They developed a close bond, often drinking milk together from bowls, eating carrots, and occasionally play-fighting for fun. Hua Yang would usually be the one to initiate the teasing, and then Huan Ni would retaliate, chasing Hua Yang all around the enclosure.
Loves Watching the Action: Hua Yang’s life is quite laid-back – he eats well, sleeps well, and repeats. However, he has one big hobby: watching the commotion. Every time he hears noise from the neighboring enclosure (often because two other pandas are fighting), he immediately climbs a tree and watches intently. Even when the fight is over, he’s not satisfied, almost wishing he could join in and stir things up himself.
Breeding Efforts:As the descendant of two wild giant pandas, Hua Yang has a precious lineage, which early on secured his status as a breeding male. However, his luck seemed to be less than favorable. Despite participating in breeding programs almost every year after reaching adulthood, he didn’t have much success. Experts speculate that this might be due to his heavier weight, which made it difficult for him to stand steady. After a weight loss, this awkward situation was finally resolved in February 2023, when he successfully mated with a female panda named Xin Xin (鑫鑫). Their union resulted in the birth of a healthy cub on May 29, marking Hua Yang’s first offspring and a proud milestone in his life.
