Meet Ling Yan (灵岩), an exuberant and endearing giant panda who captivates the hearts of all who encounter him. Born on August 18, 2017, at the Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, Ling Yan has grown into a charismatic and lively adult, now residing at the Bamboo Sea Wildlife Park in Luanchuan, Henan. Known for his playful personality, distinctive nicknames, and remarkable intelligence, Ling Yan is a true ambassador of his species, bringing joy and fascination to panda enthusiasts around the world.
Basic Information
- Name: Ling Yan (灵岩)
- Nicknames: Pang Yan (胖岩), Da Yan Zi (大岩子), Bandit Yan (土匪岩)
- Gender: Male
- Lineage Number: 1106
- Date of Birth: August 18, 2017
- Place of Birth: Shenshuping Base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong
- Current Residence: Bamboo Sea Wildlife Park, Luanchuan, Luoyang, Henan
Family Background
- Mother: Min Min (闽闽)
- Sister: A Jie (阿杰)
- Brother: Man Man (满满)
Life Experience
Ling Yan was born on August 18, 2017, at the Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong. As a cub, Ling Yan was known for his long snout and distinctive black cheeks, earning him the nickname “saddle-face.”
On December 27, 2018, the city of Dujiangyan announced the names of four pandas chosen by global netizens to be the city’s image ambassadors: Qingcheng, Litui, Yulei, and Ling Yan. Ling Yan, named after Ling Yan Mountain, was among them.
On September 22, 2020, Ling Yan, along with another panda named Mai Mai, was loaned to the Bamboo Sea Wildlife Park in Luanchuan, Henan. Over the next few years, Ling Yan’s voracious appetite turned his once slim “saddle-face” into a round “pancake face.”
On January 31, 2024, Ling Yan became an internet sensation when a livestream from a zoo in Luoyang, Henan, was interrupted due to his playful “sexy hip shake,” causing the stream to be temporarily banned for ten minutes.
Personality Traits and Behaviors
- Energetic and Playful: Ling Yan is known for his lively and adorable personality. He is highly active, often seen engaging with visitors and exploring his surroundings. His daily step count is estimated to be in the tens of thousands, showcasing his love for activity and interaction.
- Multitalented: Ling Yan has demonstrated a variety of skills, including pushing a small cart around his enclosure to “sell” items, displaying his knack for showmanship. He is also fond of dancing, earning the nickname “little disco king” for his strong sense of rhythm. Additionally, Ling Yan enjoys mimicking popular internet memes, such as “angry stomping.”
- Intelligent: Ling Yan exhibits remarkable intelligence in his play. His behavior of pushing a cart around not only entertains visitors but also serves as exercise for his hind legs, reducing the need for structured training sessions by his keepers.
