Meet Li Dui (离堆), a lively male giant panda born on August 21, 2017, at the Walnut Flat Wild Training Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. With a name derived from the “Li Dui” of the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system – crafted by the legendary figure Li Bing over 2,000 years ago – Li Dui symbolizes the spirit of human wisdom and perseverance. His playful personality and charm have made him a favorite among panda lovers. Let’s explore the life of Li Dui, from his early days to his current adventures.
Basic Information
- Name: Li Dui (离堆)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 21, 2017
- Place of Birth: China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, Walnut Flat Wild Training Base
- Mother: Ge Ge (格格)
- Twin Sister: Jing Bao (京宝)
- Lineage Number: 1107
- Siblings: Hua Li (华丽), He He (和和), Jiu Jiu (九九), Miao Yin (妙音)
Intriguing Details of Panda Li Dui
Name Origin: Li Dui’s name comes from the ancient “Li Dui,” a structure from the Dujiangyan water conservancy project established over 2,000 years ago. This project, led by Li Bing, showcases the ingenuity and hard work of humanity, representing the spirit of determination and innovation.
Glass Cleaning Dance: Li Dui’s signature move is the “glass cleaning dance,” a skill he learned from observing the cleaners. Curious about the tools the cleaning staff used to clean the glass, Li Dui began mimicking their actions from inside the glass window. Over time, he mastered the “glass cleaning dance.” When visitors wipe the glass with their hands, Li Dui often responds by reaching out his paw and mimicking them.
Shy Little Bear: Once, a cleaner couldn’t resist Li Dui’s cuteness while cleaning the glass and kissed the glass on his side. Embarrassed, Li Dui covered his face with his paw and rolled to the side, his shy expression seemingly saying, “This bear is shy!” However, if the staff is male, Li Dui usually turns away and walks off.
Backstroke Expert: In Li Dui’s yard, there’s a spacious pool filled with cool, clear water all year round. Li Dui loves soaking in the pool, but unlike other pandas who sit quietly, Li Dui enjoys backstroking. As soon as he enters the pool, he lies on his back, splashing water and creating waves, looking as if he’s performing a graceful backstroke.
Carrot Lover: Li Dui isn’t fond of exercising but absolutely loves carrots. Even when he’s upset, the moment he notices a keeper holding a carrot, he eagerly stares at it, completely forgetting his mood.
Escape Artist: Li Dui has a “space castle” just like another panda, Meng Lan (萌兰). To prevent Meng Lan from using the castle as an escape tool, the caretakers secured it with chains. However, in Li Dui’s case, the situation escalated. His space castle was cemented to the ground to stop him from pushing it to the wall, climbing up, and escaping over the enclosure!
Life Experience of Panda Li Dui
Early Life: During his early years, Li Dui thrived alongside his mother, Ge Ge, and his siblings at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center.
As he grew, Li Dui underwent multiple relocations to adapt to various living environments and conservation needs. On May 29, 2020, Li Dui embarked on a new chapter in his life when he, along with several other pandas – Jing Bao (京宝), Long Sheng (龙昇), Qing Feng (清风), Xing An (兴安), Fu Fu (府府), Hua Hong (华鸿), and Yu Lei (玉垒) – was transferred to the Fenghuang Chinese Giant Panda Park in Hunan Province.