Jiao Zi (娇子) is a female giant panda born on August 21, 1995, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Over the years, she has gained significant recognition, not only for her unique personality but also for her groundbreaking role in panda conservation efforts. Jiao Zi is a symbol of the close bond between pandas and the public, having been the first panda in China to be adopted by the public. Her life journey is one filled with love, challenges, and remarkable contributions to panda breeding. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of Panda Jiao Zi, from her early days to her pivotal role in the preservation of her species.
Basic Information
- Name: Jiao Zi (娇子)
- Date of Birth: August 21, 1995
- Gender: Female
- Pedigree Number: 425
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Mother: Bing Bing (冰冰)
- Father: Lin Nan (林楠)
- Siblings: Bing Dian (冰点), Bing Xing (冰星), Xiang Bing (香冰), Yuan Yuan (园园), Lun Lun (伦伦)
Intriguing Details of Panda Jiao Zi
Heaven’s Favored One: In 1996, Jiao Zi was adopted by the Chengdu Cigarette Factory, becoming the first panda in China to be publicly adopted. The adoption later became a common practice to help raise fund for panda conservation. Her name, “Jiao Zi,” meaning “heaven’s favored one.” She quickly rose to fame as the focus of public attention, frequently appearing in public service advertisements on television. In 2004, Jiao Zi was voted one of Chengdu’s “Top Ten Icons,” and in 2000, she was chosen as one of the symbols of Chengdu’s millennium celebrations.
Breeding Achievements of Panda Jiao Zi
- On September 22, 2001, she gave birth to her first son, Xiao Jiao (小娇). However, as an inexperienced mother, Jiao Zi struggled with her maternal instincts. Frightened by her cub’s cries, she climbed onto the railings, unsure of how to care for him. Despite this difficult start, Jiao Zi’s story as a mother was just beginning.
- On August 30-31, 2006, Jiao Zi gave birth to twins, a daughter named Da Jiao (大娇) and a son named Jiao Xiao (娇小), who were born over the course of the night.
- A year later, on August 13, 2007, Jiao Zi had another set of twins, a male and a female, who were named Jiao Feng (娇凤) and Jiao Long (娇龙) after a public naming contest. Although Jiao Long tragically passed away, the surviving daughter was later named Ke Lin (科琳).
- Jiao Zi’s most significant transformation as a mother occurred on July 15, 2010, when she gave birth to her son, Jiao Qing (娇庆). This time, she took an active role in raising her cub, marking a successful transition from an inexperienced to a competent and caring mother.
- On September 4, 2012, Jiao Zi gave birth to another daughter named Miao Miao (淼淼). However, due to Jiao Zi’s weakened state after giving birth, she could not produce enough milk, and her daughter was cared for by another panda, Yuan Yuan (园园).
- In 2013, Jiao Zi achieved a remarkable milestone. At 18 years old, she gave birth to triplets after a grueling 57-hour labor. Her life was at risk following the delivery, but thanks to five days of intravenous treatment, she recovered. Sadly, only one of the triplets survived, a daughter named Sa Er (仨儿).