With his iconic “holey vest” and bath-loving personality, Liang Liang (亮亮/Liangliang) is one panda whose charm is hard to resist. This mischievous giant panda, born in Chengdu, has captured the hearts of fans across China and beyond. Despite his lack of interest in romance, he became a local celebrity, with his playful spirit and unmistakable markings making him a beloved figure. Liang Liang’s journey through zoos is as adventurous as his personality.
Basic Information
- Name: Liang Liang (亮亮)
- Meaning of the Name: Brightness
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 18, 2000
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Pedigree Number: 515
- Mother: Qing Qing (庆庆)
- Father: Ha Lan (哈兰)
- Siblings: Xing Xing (星星), Ya Ya (娅娅), Xiang Xiang (祥祥), Li Li (莉莉), Jing Rong (京蓉), Jian Jian (健健), Er Ya Tou (二丫头), Da Shuang (大双), Xiao Shuang (小双), Qing He (庆贺), Qing Zai (庆仔)
Intriguing Details of Panda Liang Liang
Holey Vest: One of Liang Liang’s most distinctive features is a patch of white fur on his left shoulder, making him easily recognizable among other pandas. This unique marking resembles a hole in a black vest from a distance, which has led online fans to affectionately refer to him as wearing a “holey vest.”
Not Interested in Romance: When it came to finding a mate, Liang Liang seemed to prefer fighting over courtship. In June 2007, during a matchmaking visit to Chongqing Zoo, Liang Liang treated the occasion more like a battlefield. While meeting potential partner Xin Xing (新星), Liang Liang ended up attacking and even biting her. A subsequent attempt with Wushun (五顺) and Ding Ding (丁丁) didn’t go any better – Liang Liang fought them as well. As a result, Liang Liang lived a solitary life, never finding a mate.
An Animal Star: On May 26, 2014, Liang Liang earned the title of “Most Beloved Animal Star” at Hefei Wildlife Zoo, winning 6,870 votes as the only giant panda in the park.
Bath Enthusiast: Outside the panda enclosure at Hefei Zoo, there used to be a pool, and Liang Liang adored taking baths there, especially during the early summer when the weather was mild. In the mornings, Liang Liang would often spend up to 30 minutes in the pool, lying fully submerged while using both his front and hind legs to splash water over himself.
Life Experience of Panda Liang Liang
Temporary Life in Shenyang: Liang Liang spent his early years at the Chengdu Research Base, where he grew and developed in a nurturing environment. His journey took a significant turn on July 15, 2004, when he was transferred to the Shenyang Wildlife Park. After a short stay, he returned to the Chengdu base in December 2005, but his adventures were far from over.
Settle in Hefei: In March 2006, Liang Liang moved again, this time to the Wuxi Zoo. His most notable relocation occurred on February 9, 2008, when he arrived at the Hefei Wildlife Park. There, he thrived for an impressive eleven years, becoming a star attraction among local residents.
Health Challenge and Retirement: Liang Liang’s health was periodically monitored, and on October 18, 2013, he took a flight back to the Chengdu base for a check-up. After passing the examination, he returned to Hefei on November 14. However, his next move was to mark the beginning of his retirement journey. On July 23, 2019, Liang Liang returned once more to the Chengdu Research Base, where he would begin a new chapter in his life.
