Born on June 15, 2022, at the Chengdu Research Base, Jiao Yi (娇毅/Jiaoyi), affectionately known as “Cha Cha,” is as feisty as he is lovable. With a unique tuft of black fur on his head earning him the nickname “Teletubby,” he’s become a base favorite. Despite his playful nature, Jiao Yi has a surprisingly fierce side, engaging in epic bamboo battles with his fellow panda Bei Chen, showing off his fighting spirit.
Basic Information
- NickName: Jiao Yi (娇毅)
- Meaning of the Name: Persistence and Determination
- Name: Cha Cha (茶茶/Tea)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: June 15, 2022
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Mother: Da Jiao (大娇)
- Siblings: Nan Nan (囡囡), Qian Qian (倩倩), and Jiao Ao (娇奥)
Intriguing Details of Panda Jiao Yi
Love for Fighting: Jiao Yi is a natural-born warrior, always ready for a friendly tussle. His sparring partner of choice? Bei Chen (北辰). The two often engage in playful battles, testing each other’s strength and endurance. If left uninterrupted, their wrestling matches could go on for an entire day—neither willing to back down first
Appearance: Jiao Yi’s most distinctive feature is the small tuft of black fur on his head, which has earned him the adorable nickname “Teletubby” at the panda base. His unique hairstyle once prompted his caregivers to shave it off in an attempt to even out his fur. However, to everyone’s amusement, the tuft grew right back, as if Jiao Yi was determined to keep his signature look.
Nearsightedness: Jiao Yi seems to have a quirky case of nearsightedness, especially when it comes to finding bamboo shoots. Unless they are prominently placed on the wooden frame, he often struggles to spot them. On multiple occasions, he has even tried to steal bamboo shoots from Bei Chen, only to give up in frustration after failing to locate enough for himself.
Life Journey of Panda Jiao Yi
Birth: Jiao Yi was born with a low birth weight of just 85.3 grams, but he had a strong, healthy cry and a robust constitution.
Adoption and Naming: On May 16, 2023, Cha Bai Dao, a prominent Chinese beverage brand, held a special adoption ceremony at the Chengdu Research Base to honor Jiao Yi. At this event, the panda was officially named “Cha Cha,” meaning “high-quality tea.”
