Meet Lu Lu (芦芦), a remarkable giant panda whose life story is filled with resilience, achievements, and contributions to panda conservation. Born in the picturesque Lu Shan County of Sichuan Province, Lu Lu has garnered attention not only for his impressive breeding record but also for his role in helping other pandas. His journey from being rescued as a cub to becoming a father to many is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center and the passion of those who care for him.
Basic Information
- Name: Lu Lu (芦芦)
- Gender: Male
- Lineage Number: 503
- Place of Discovery: Lu Shan County, Sichuan Province
- Origin of Name: Lu Lu was named after being rescued in 1999 from Lu Shan County, Sichuan.
Life Journey
Lu Lu’s journey began on October 24, 1999, when he was just three months old and was rescued from the wild in Lu Shan County. Shortly after his rescue, he was relocated to the Wolong National Nature Reserve’s Walnut Flat Base for captive breeding and rehabilitation on October 26, 1999.
Over the years, Lu Lu has experienced several relocations. On December 22, 2003, he moved to the Bifengxia Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Ya’an. He returned to the Walnut Flat Base on July 1, 2004, only to relocate again to Bifengxia on July 21, 2008. In a further move, he returned to the Walnut Flat Base on May 6, 2016. Finally, on May 25, 2017, Lu Lu found his permanent home at the Shenshuping Base in Wolong, where he continues to thrive.
Breeding and Offspring
Lu Lu is celebrated as a “heroic father” among the panda community. He is one of the most prolific breeding pandas in the world, having mated with 24 female pandas and sired an impressive total of 56 offspring, which includes 29 daughters and 27 sons.
Some of Lu Lu’s notable descendants include famous individuals such as “Ai Bao” (爱宝), who lives in South Korea, “Gong Gong (贡贡)” and “Shun Shun (舜舜)” in Hainan, “Bai Tian (白天)” and “Fu Xing (福星)” at the Beijing Zoo, and the adorable “Fei Yun (飞云).”
Lu Lu is particularly well-known for his exceptionally long mating durations, having set a record at the base with a remarkable 18 minutes and 3 seconds mating time with the female panda Xi Mei (喜妹). This achievement highlights his vitality and importance in the breeding program.
Special Experiences
In addition to his impressive breeding record, Lu Lu has played a crucial role in the “guidance therapy” of a bisexual panda named Jin Zhu. Through hormone therapy, he assisted Jin Zhu in discovering her true gender and fully transitioning back to female. This experience underscores Lu Lu’s adaptability and the important role he plays in the lives of other pandas.
Lu Lu has also been featured in various documentaries, including “Panda Express,” “Exploration – Sichuan Earthquake, Rescue of Pandas,” and “The Legend of Giant Panda Lu Lu.” These appearances not only showcase his life but also help raise awareness about giant panda conservation and the challenges these beloved animals face in the wild.
