Jia Yue Yue (加悦悦), affectionately known by her English name “Canadian Joy,” is a delightful female giant panda who has captured the hearts of many. Born on October 13, 2015, at the Toronto Zoo in Canada, Jia Yue Yue represents the joy and connection between her birthplace and her Chinese heritage. Her story is one of charm and grace, marked by significant milestones as she grew from a playful cub into a beautiful adult panda. With her engaging personality and stunning appearance, she embodies the spirit of cooperation and conservation that the giant panda symbolizes.
Basic Information
- Name: Jia Yue Yue (加悦悦)
- English Name: Canadian Joy
- Gender: Female
- Birth Date: October 13, 2015 (Toronto Time)
- Birthplace: Toronto Zoo, Canada
- Pedigree Number: 988
- Mother: Er Shun (二顺)
- Twin Brother: Jia Pan Pan (加盼盼)
- Siblings: Yu Ke (渝可), Yu Ai (渝爱)
Life Experience of Panda Jia Yue Yue
Birth: Jia Yue Yue was born on October 13, 2015, at around 3:30 AM (Toronto time) in the Toronto Zoo, successfully delivered by her mother, Er Shun. Although she was born small, both mother and cub exhibited good health.
Naming and Debut: On March 7, 2016, during a naming ceremony at the Toronto Zoo, she was officially named “Jia Yue Yue,” meaning “Joy of Canada.” She shares this special occasion with her twin brother, Jia Pan Pan, whose name signifies “Hope of Canada.” On the day of the naming ceremony, Jia Yue Yue and her brother made their first media appearance, attracting widespread attention and affection from panda enthusiasts.
Personality and Habits: Jia Yue Yue has a gentle, obedient, and good-natured personality, which makes her beloved by both zookeepers and visitors. She freely eats about 6-7 times a day, consuming more than 10kg of bamboo shoots, with her favorite foods being apples and cornmeal buns. Her daily water intake is approximately 3-4 liters, and she produces about 10kg of waste each day. Additionally, Jia Yue Yue has a good sleep routine, taking a 3-4 hour nap in the afternoon and sleeping 8-9 hours at night.
Moving to Calgary: On March 19, 2018, Jia Yue Yue and Jia Pan Pan relocated to the Calgary Zoo, where they continued to thrive in a new environment.
Return to China: On January 2020, as part of a cooperative breeding program, the four-year-old Jia Yue Yue and her brother returned to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, to contribute to the giant panda conservation efforts.
Return to Chongqing: On January 10, 2024, Jia Yue Yue moved from the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base back to Chongqing Zoo and was specially arranged to be placed next to her mother, Er Shun, making them “neighbors.” Although the mother and daughter could not live in the same enclosure, they were able to see each other every day, which was considered a form of reunion. Observations suggest that Jia Yue Yue recognizes her mother, Er Shun, and often interacts with her through the glass.