Jie Bang (结浜), a female giant panda born in Japan, holds a special place in the hearts of both Chinese and Japanese people. Her name symbolizes friendship, unity, and the enduring cultural connection between China and Japan. Born into a family of pandas with international ties, Jie Bang has grown to represent the deep bond between these two nations. Her story, from birth in the Shirahama Adventure World in Japan to her development into an independent adult, is filled with milestones and highlights that capture the imagination of panda lovers worldwide.
Basic Information
- Name: Jie Bang (结浜)
- Gender: Female
- Lineage Number: 1047
- Date of Birth: September 18, 2016
- Birthplace: Shirahama Adventure World, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
- Father: Yong Ming (永明)
- Mother: Liang Bang (良浜)
- Siblings: Yong Bang (永浜), Long Bang (隆浜), Xing Bang (幸浜), Mei Bang (梅浜), Ying Bang (樱浜), Tao Bang (桃浜), Yang Bang (阳浜), You Bang (优浜), Cai Bang (彩浜), Feng Bang (枫浜)
Growth and Development
Birth: Jie Bang was born at 1:12 a.m. local time on September 18, 2016, at Shirahama Adventure World in Wakayama Prefecture. Her mother, Liang Bang, a giant panda with extensive experience in motherhood, delivered her with ease. Jie Bang weighed 197 grams at birth, and both mother and cub were reported to be in good health. Liang Bang, having given birth multiple times before, displayed strong maternal instincts, immediately cradling her newborn and licking her to provide comfort and warmth.
Naming Ceremony: On December 5, 2016, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding received a letter from Shirahama Adventure World announcing the name of the panda cub born on September 18. The name, “Jie Bang,” was selected after an open naming contest that received over 50,000 submissions via letters and phone calls. “Jie” stands for mutual help and connection, while “Bang” refers to shores and watersides, symbolizing the bond between people across borders. The name reflects the idea that the “Bang Family” of pandas carries on the tradition of bridging different values, cultures, languages, and species, creating a harmonious future together.
Early Childhood: Under the attentive care of her mother and the zookeepers, Jie Bang began to thrive. Her lively and curious personality became apparent early on, as she exhibited a strong interest in the world around her. Whenever she sensed the presence of her keepers, she would excitedly crawl toward them, eager for their attention. Her playful and endearing nature endeared her to the staff, who frequently remarked on her appetite and fondness for food. During feeding times, Jie Bang would adorably wave her paws in anticipation, earning her a reputation as a “little foodie” among her caretakers.
Independent Life: On October 10, 2017, having reached her first birthday, Jie Bang was weaned from her mother and began her journey into independent living. By this time, her permanent teeth had nearly fully developed, allowing her to start practicing eating bamboo. In the wild, giant pandas typically begin to live on their own between the ages of one and two years, and Jie Bang’s progression followed this natural timeline.
