Le Le (叻叻/Lele), born on August 14, 2021, at Singapore’s River Safari, captured hearts from the moment he entered the world as the first giant panda cub born in Singapore. His name, chosen by public vote, symbolizes joy and intelligence, tying back to Singapore’s roots. With his calm demeanor and gentle nature, Le Le is known for his heartwarming interactions with his father, Wu Jie, and his peaceful way of navigating panda life.
Basic Information
- Name: Le Le (叻叻)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 14, 2021
- Birthplace: River Safari, Singapore
- Mother: Jia Jia (嘉嘉/沪宝)
- Father: Wu Jie (武杰/凯凯)
Intriguing Details of Panda Le Le
Name Origin: After Le Le was born, Singapore’s River Safari launched a public naming campaign that attracted over 37,000 suggestions. The winning name, “Le Le,” was selected through popular vote. “Le” draws inspiration from Singapore’s old name “Shi Le,” which stems from the Malay word selat, meaning “strait” – a nod to the country’s island geography. In Chinese, “Le” also sounds like the word for “happiness,” symbolizing joy and celebration. Interestingly, in Cantonese, “Le zai” affectionately refers to a clever and capable young boy – making it the perfect name for this bright and beloved panda.
Father-Son Relationship: Le Le is one of the rare panda cubs to have met his father. While in Singapore, he got a glimpse of Wu Jie through a fence. But it was after returning to China that their interactions truly blossomed. At the panda base, Le Le’s gentle greetings and Kai Kai’s tender gaze form a heartwarming father-son moment. Each meeting is like a quiet reunion – soft, respectful, and filled with familial affection.
Gentle Personality: Le Le is a true softie at heart. He’s calm, peace-loving, and avoids conflict whenever he can. When playmates chase him, Le Le often rolls away like a fuzzy tumbleweed to keep things lighthearted. Even when he gets nibbled during roughhousing, he simply smiles through it, radiating an almost Zen-like tolerance.
Life Experience of Panda Le Le
Birth: On August 14, 2021, Le Le was born at the River Safari in Singapore, becoming the first giant panda born in Singapore.
Debut: On December 30, 2021, Le Le made his public debut in the giant panda exhibit at the River Safari.
Social Event: On December 5, 2023, the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, Mandai Wildlife Group, and China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts jointly held the “Long-lasting Friendship, Enjoying with Le Le” event at the River Safari.
Farewell Party: On December 13, 2023, a farewell party was held for Le Le at the River Safari, marking his last public appearance in Singapore.
Return to China: On January 16, 2024, with the joint efforts of both Singapore and China, Le Le safely arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport. He was then transported to Huaying Mountain in Guang’an for a 30-day quarantine. Now, he lives in Dujiangyan Panda Base and has Qing Zai (青仔) and Qing Bao (青宝) as his neighbors.
