Mai Mai (迈迈/Maimai), born on May 31, 2017, at the Hetaoping Wild Training Base, is a giant panda with a bright, almost glowing white appearance that has captured the hearts of many. Known as “Cool Boy Mai” for his aloof demeanor as a cub, he grew up to be a playful yet mischievous panda, especially when it came to foot-chewing and stirring up trouble. His deep friendship with Ling Yan and his endearing traits make him a beloved figure at the Bamboo Sea Wildlife Park.
Basic Information
- Name: Mai Mai (迈迈)
- Meaning of the Name: Taking Steps
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: May 31, 2017
- Birthplace: Hetaoping Wild Training Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
- Lineage Number: 1063
- Mother: Long Xin (龙欣)
- Twin Sister: Ran Ran (冉冉)
- Siblings: Xi Wang (希望), Fu Ni (福妮), Fu Wa (福娃), Shui Ling (水灵), Qing Feng (清风), You You (佑佑), Han Yuan (汉媛), Hu Xiao (虎啸), Xin Yuan (新媛), Yuan Xin (园欣), and Xing Lu (兴路)
Intriguing Details of Panda Mai Mai
A Striking Appearance: The first thing people notice about Mai Mai is just how incredibly white he is. As a cub, his fur was so bright and pristine that he almost seemed to glow. Even as he grew, he maintained his clean, luminous coat, making him stand out among his peers. His slightly upturned eyes give him a sharp, confident look, while a small hole in his vest area adds to his unique charm. But Mai Mai wasn’t just about looks – he had an aura of coolness too. Unlike other cubs who loved to huddle together, he often struck independent poses, exuding a sense of aloofness and mystery. His confident demeanor and habit of standing alone earned him the playful title: “Cool Boy Mai.”
Joyful Childhood: Though he looked cool on the outside, Mai Mai’s playful and mischievous side was just as unforgettable. As a cub, he earned the nickname “Foot-Chewing Maniac” – thanks to his love of grabbing and gnawing on the feet of his panda friends. With his larger size giving him an advantage, he often found himself at the center of playtime chaos. However, his kindergarten days proved that being big didn’t always mean being the boss. Mai Mai loved causing trouble, but whenever he picked a playful fight, he often found himself outmatched by his peers. More often than not, his mischievous plans ended with him getting knocked to the ground, leaving him adorably bewildered.
Friendship with Ling Yan: Mai Mai and Ling Yan (灵岩) share a close bond, often playing together through the glass and enjoying each other’s company. Their interactions are full of playful antics, but their friendship also comes with some humorous challenges. Ling Yan has a habit of taking midnight baths while humming tunes, a ritual that often disturbs Mai Mai’s peaceful nights. As a result, Mai Mai frequently falls asleep while munching on bamboo the next day. Unlike other pandas whose dark eye patches are purely aesthetic, Mai Mai’s tired-looking “dark circles” are often joked about as being the result of real sleepless nights caused by his lively friend.
Understanding Sichuan Dialect: During his time at the Luanchuan Bamboo Sea Wildlife Park, Mai Mai’s connection to his roots remained strong. The keepers would call his name in Sichuan dialect, and he would immediately perk up and look over, showing his deep familiarity and fondness for his hometown language. However, when they tried calling him in Henan dialect, Mai Mai simply ignored it, proving that some habits – and linguistic preferences – never change.
Daily Hobbies: Mai Mai has an interesting set of daily routines that showcase his quirky personality. He takes on the role of a caring host by feeding his little magpie family with his “nest balls,” a gesture that adds to his gentle and nurturing image. His internal clock is also shockingly precise – when the day is done, he is always the first to dash off and clock out, as if following an invisible work schedule.
Life Experience of Panda Mai Mai
Birth and Naming: Mai Mai was born on May 31, 2017, at the Hetaoping Wild Training Base, a place known for preparing pandas for semi-wild environments. He was later adopted by Sinochem Agriculture, which gave him the name Mai Mai. In addition to being a beloved panda, he also served as the mascot for the “Panda Guide.”
Relocation and Loan: On October 25, 2018, Mai Mai was relocated to the Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong.
Public Exhibition: On September 22, 2020, Mai Mai, along with another panda, Ling Yan, was loaned to the Bamboo Sea Wildlife Park in Luanchuan, Henan, where they made their public debut. In a naming contest held at the park, Mai Mai earned the affectionate nickname “Chao Chao (吵吵, Meaning Noise)” – —a fitting name for a panda known for his vocal nature and playful energy.
5th Birthday Celebration: On May 31, 2022, Mai Mai celebrated his 5th birthday in Henan. Known for his dislike of heat, the zoo prepared a special five-tiered ice fruit cake for him, with each layer containing a variety of fruits. At the time of his arrival at the zoo, Mai Mai weighed 47 kg (104 lbs), and by his 5th birthday, he had grown to 110 kg (243 lbs).
