Lun Lun (伦伦/Lunlun)’s journey from Chengdu to Atlanta and back is a heartwarming tale of a panda who not only captured the hearts of millions but also played a pivotal role in panda conservation. With her charming presence and endearing family, Lun Lun became a beloved star, inspiring a community in the U.S. to go above and beyond to care for her. Her story is a reminder of the deep connection we share with these gentle giants.
Basic Information
- Name: Lun Lun (伦伦)
- Nickname: Hua Hua (华华)
- Gender: Female
- Birth Date: August 25, 1997
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Father: Lin Nan (林楠)
- Mother: Bing Bing (冰冰)
- Siblings: Bing Dian (冰点), Bing Xing (冰星), Xiang Bing (香冰), Yuan Yuan (园园), Jiao Zi (娇子)
Life Experience of Panda Lun Lun
Birth: On August 26, 1997, Lun Lun was born at the Sichuan Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, with the nickname “Hua Hua.” She was later adopted by Taiwanese celebrity Su Hui Lun and renamed Lun Lun.
Travel to America: By the age of two, she was ready to embark on a new adventure; on November 5, 1999, Lun Lun traveled with her companion Yang Yang (洋洋) to the Atlanta Zoo in the United States.
Life in America: The duo quickly became a hit among zoo visitors, earning the affectionate title of “star couple.” Their popularity soared to such heights that they were humorously referred to as the panda family that “eats poor” the Atlanta Zoo. The public’s fascination with Lun Lun and Yang Yang led to significant community support for the pandas. In an effort to sustain the pandas’ diet, many Atlanta residents volunteered to grow bamboo specifically for them, creating a small army dedicated to their care. The zoo even established a specialized team to source bamboo that catered to the pandas’ dietary preferences, ensuring they received the best possible nutrition during their stay.
Contract Renewals: Initially, Lun Lun and Yang Yang’s stay in the United States was contracted for ten years. However, their undeniable popularity led to multiple contract renewals, extending their stay until the end of 2024. Plans are in place for Lun Lun to return to China at that time, where she will join other giant pandas in the ongoing conservation efforts back home.
Back to China: On October 13, 2024, Lun Lun, along with Yang Yang and their twin cubs, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, safely arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on a special flight from the United States’ Atlanta Zoo. After confirmation from the accompanying veterinarians, all four pandas were in good health. They were then safely transported to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where they underwent at least one month of quarantine and observation with the care of a team of veterinarians and animal management experts.
Breeding Achievements of Panda Lun Lun
- Mei Lan (美兰) (Male): Born on September 6, 2006, Mei Lan was Lun Lun’s first cub. Interestingly, he was mistakenly identified as a female at birth and raised as a daughter for three years before the error was corrected. Mei Lan returned to China in 2010, contributing to the panda population back home.
- Xi Lan (喜兰) (Male): Born on August 30, 2008, Xi Lan was Lun Lun’s second cub. Known for his playful and mischievous nature, he once received a “loving shoulder throw” from Lun Lun for bothering her during bamboo feeding time. He, too, returned to China in 2013.
- Bao Lan (宝兰) (Female, also known as A Bao): Born on November 3, 2010, Bao Lan was another cub who faced the same initial gender confusion; she was also raised as a male for three years. Bao Lan returned to China in 2014, joining the conservation efforts there.
- Mei Lun and Mei Huan (美轮、美奂) (Both Female): These twin cubs were born on July 15, 2013. They were initially mistaken for males, but genetic testing later confirmed their female status. They returned to China in 2016, adding to the breeding program’s success.
- Ya Lun and Xi Lun (雅伦、喜伦) (Both Female): Born on September 3, 2016, these twins have thrived under Lun Lun’s care. They were introduced to the public in early 2017 and have continued to grow into healthy young pandas.
