Lun Lun (伦伦), a beloved giant panda, has captured the hearts of many since her birth on August 25, 1997, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China. Originally named “Hua Hua” by her caregivers, she was later adopted by Taiwanese celebrity Su Hui Lun, who renamed her Lun Lun. This gentle panda embarked on a remarkable journey that took her from China to the United States, where she became a star at the Atlanta Zoo. Over her two-decade-long stay in the U.S., Lun Lun not only delighted visitors with her playful antics but also contributed significantly to panda conservation through her successful breeding program. As her story unfolds, we delve into her origins, journey, and legacy in giant panda conservation.
Basic Information
- Name: Lun Lun (伦伦)
- Nickname: Hua Hua (华华)
- Birth Date: August 25, 1997
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Father: Lin Nan (林楠)
- Mother: Bing Bing (冰冰)
Journey of Lun Lun
Lun Lun’s life took a pivotal turn shortly after her birth at the Chengdu Research Base, where she spent her early years in a nurturing environment focused on giant panda conservation. 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. This marked the beginning of a unique chapter in her life, as she became part of a vital conservation effort aimed at raising awareness about giant pandas and their habitat.
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. The extended stay has allowed her to serve as an ambassador for her species, educating visitors about the importance of panda conservation.
Breeding Achievements
Lun Lun’s contributions to giant panda breeding have been significant during her time at the Atlanta Zoo. She has successfully given birth to several cubs, each of whom carries the potential for furthering the species’ survival. Here are her notable offspring:
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.